Department for Transport

Train Operating Companies: Compensation

Tonia Antoniazzi: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with train operating companies on the compensation payable to people when trains are cancelled but do not cause a delay of over an hour.

Joseph Johnson: The Secretary of State meets train operating companies regularly to discuss a range of issues. The majority of train operating companies on Department for Transport franchises currently offer the Delay Repay scheme which provides compensation for delays to journeys from 30 minutes, whatever the cause of the delay or cancellation. In addition, four train operating companies offer compensation for delays of 15 to 29 minutes. The Department has had a number of discussions with franchises about extending Delay Repay, including to offer compensation for delays from 15 minutes. The minority of franchises that have not yet introduced Delay Repay, including Arriva Trains Wales, set out their compensation arrangements in their Passenger’s Charter. These include discounts for holders of monthly and annual season tickets, if performance falls below a pre-determined threshold. For other passengers, compensation of no less than 50% of the ticket price is payable for delays of 60 minutes or more, and some of these train operators also offer compensation for delays of 30 to 59 minutes; this compensation is generally not payable for delays outside the control of the rail industry. The Arriva Trains Wales franchise is managed by the Welsh Government under the 2006 Welsh rail devolution arrangements. The next Wales and Borders franchise has been let by the Welsh Government under the new Welsh rail devolution arrangements. Transport for Wales has announced that they will introduce Delay Repay for delays of 15 minutes or more from January 2019.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure the realisation of the economic potential of drones for the UK economy in the forthcoming draft Drones Bill.

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he plans to publish the draft Drones Bill.

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the draft Drones Bill will include proposals for the creation of (a) U-space and (b) unmanned traffic management.

Jesse Norman: The measures included in the current consultation, which will feed into the upcoming draft Drones Bill, are a key step in maintaining the UK’s position as a global leader in the drones services market; by tackling misuse and building public confidence in drone technology and encouraging positive, innovative drone use. The consultation includes a proposal to mandate the use of safety apps which, if taken forward, will be one of the initial steps towards facilitating an unmanned traffic management system (UTM) and to unlocking the future potential of drones. The intention is to publish the draft Drones Bill later this year, following consultation.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussion he has had with representatives of industry on the development of (a) changes to the Air Navigation Order 2016 and (b) proposals for the draft Drones Bill in regulating the use of drones over the last two years.

Jesse Norman: The Department for Transport has had discussions with a range of industry stakeholders. In particular, these include the Drones Industry Action Group, managed by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, which meets quarterly and facilitates discussion on key issues between the Government and the UK drones industry. Recent changes to the Air Navigation Order were developed in response to the Government’s consultation on drones, which ran from December 2016 to March 2017. The current consultation will inform the forthcoming draft Drones Bill.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps the Government are taking to ensure that UK regulations will be sufficiently aligned to EU rules to support (a) the export of drones to Europe and (b) the operation of drones with UK approval in Europe after the UK leaves the EU.

Chris Grayling: The Government and the CAA continue to engage with EASA on the development of its Basic Regulation and associated implementing regulations, which will establish new EU regulations for safe drone operations. Future arrangements on the export and operation of drones will be a matter for negotiations. It is the Government’s intention to remain part of the EASA system after exit, and to maintain a common rulebook with the EU for goods.

Air Traffic Control

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the resources available to (a) police forces and (b) the Civil Aviation Authority to enforce the recent changes to the Air Navigation Order 2016.

Jesse Norman: The Home Office is helping the police to respond to changing demand with a £460 million increase in overall funding in 2018/19, including increased funding to tackle counter-terrorism and for local policing through the Council Tax precept. The Home Office is currently consulting on proposals to extend stop and search powers in order to consider how effective police powers could be to enforce new or proposed laws such as drones and laser pointers. In Addition, the Home Secretary has announced that police resources will be a priority for the Home Office at the next Spending Review. To improve enforcement, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been agreed between the Department for Transport, the Civil Aviation Authority, the Home Office and the Police with regards to the policing and monitoring of drones. This MoU is in the process of being reviewed.

Bus Services: Garston and Halewood

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the trends in the (a) quantity and (b) frequency of bus services in Garston and Halewood constituency since 2010.

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many supported bus services currently run in the Garston and Halewood constituency; and how that figure has changed in each year since 2010.

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the trends in the frequency of (a) commercial bus services and (b) supported bus services in Garston and Halewood constituency since 2010.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: The Department does not hold any data on the quantity and frequency of bus services in Garston and Halewood constituency.

Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive: Finance

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much funding his Department has allocated to Merseytravel for supported bus services in each year since 2010; and if he will make a statement.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: Up until 31 December 2013 Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) was paid directly to bus operators and was not split between commercially run or subsidised bus services. We are therefore unable to provide figures for this period. From 1 January 2014 local authorities have received funding equivalent to the level of BSOG which would otherwise have been paid to operators for running subsidised services in 2014. Details of the amounts paid to local authorities each year can be found on the “Payments to Local Authorities” tab of the relevant spreadsheets published at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/bus-services-grants-and-funding#bsog-spend

Bus Services: Garston and Halewood

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will take steps to ensure the continued provision of existing supported bus services in the Garston and Halewood constituency.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: Where there is not enough demand for a bus route to be commercially viable in its own right, all local authorities have powers to subsidise bus services which they consider socially necessary. Local authorities are best placed to decide which services are most appropriate for support in their respective areas and deliver the greatest benefits for their residents. We believe it is right that such decisions should be made locally. To enable them to do this, the Government provides funding through Revenue Support Grant, which local authorities are free to prioritise as they set fit; and through the £50m local authority Bus Service Operator Grant, which is ring-fenced for bus services.

Bus Services: South Yorkshire

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much his Department has spent on bus services in (a) Barnsley and (b) South Yorkshire in each year since 2010.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: Up until 31 December 2013 Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) was paid directly to bus operators and was not split between commercially run or subsidised bus services. We are therefore unable to provide figures for this period. From 1 January 2014 local authorities have received funding equivalent to the level of BSOG which would otherwise have been paid to operators for running subsidised services in 2014. Details of the amounts paid to local authorities each year can be found on the “Payments to Local Authorities” tab of the relevant spreadsheets published at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/bus-services-grants-and-funding#bsog-spend

Bus Services: Barnsley

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of recent trends in bus usage in Barnsley, and if he will make a statement.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: The department does not hold any data on trends in bus usage in Barnsley.

Govia Thameslink Railway and Northern: Timetables

Andy McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answers of 13 and 20 July to Questions 161175 and 164445, for what reasons the Government did not provide an estimate of the economic cost of the disruption caused by the rail timetable changes introduced on (a) Northern Rail and (b) Govia Thameslink Railway from 20 May 2018.

Joseph Johnson: Our current focus is on ensuring that performance improvements are sustained, and making sure that future updates take place without the issues that passengers have experienced since the most recent timetable change.

Railways: Oxford

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has held with HS2 Limited on whether rail lines through Oxford will be used by freight services for the movement of construction materials for HS2.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: HS2 Ltd has reviewed capacity availability on rail lines that pass through Oxford, as well as most rail lines that pass within 50km of the Phase One route. Since July 2017, HS2 Ltd has been working with their main works civils contractors (MWCC) to develop scheme designs and the construction programme for the line of route works. This includes capacity planning on rail lines to move material in and out for the project. Although speculative construction material suppliers may have made capacity searches, HS2 Ltd can confirm that there have been no line capacity searches by their MWCC on rail lines that pass through Oxford to date. As material origins and waste deposition location certainty increases, capacity planning analysis will accelerate over the next six to twelve months.

Department for Transport: Annual Reports

Mr Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which agencies and other public bodies accountable to him will not have published their annual report and accounts for 2017-2018 by 31 July 2018; and what the reasons are for each such body not having done so by that date.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: A list of agencies and other public bodies which are accountable to the Department for Transport are listed on gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations). All accounts that are published will appear on the bodies’ websites. As per the Government Resources and Accounts Act (2000), there is no legal requirement for agencies or other public bodies to publish their accounts before the January following year end.

Railways: Greater London

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent steps he has taken to help mitigate delays on (a) Thameslink, (b) Northern and (c) other commuter trains into London.

Joseph Johnson: Performance on Thameslink and Great Northern services was very poor following the timetable change on 20 May. The large number of delays, cancellations and long gaps in service was unsatisfactory and left passengers understandably frustrated. A new timetable was introduced on these routes on 15 July, has brought increased stability to the service and reduced the number of cancellations across much of the network. Further improvement is, however, still needed, in particular on Great Northern services. Ministers and Departmental officials continue to monitor performance.

Bicycles: Hire Services

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the growth of the bike and scooter share scheme in London.

Jesse Norman: The Department for Transport has not undertaken any detailed assessment of this matter. The Department is working with Transport for London, as well as with local authorities and bike share operators across the country, to develop a better understanding of the benefits and issues raised by the development of bike share and other related schemes.

Lower Thames Crossing

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the current status is of plans for the building of a Lower Thames Crossing; and what assessment he has made of the benefits of such a crossing for local residents in Romford and the London Borough of Havering.

Jesse Norman: Proposals for the Lower Thames Crossing are being developed ahead of a statutory consultation, expected to take place later this year. The Department is encouraging Highways England to continue to engage with local stakeholders and residents, including the London Borough of Havering, to ensure that residents benefit from this significant investment. The Lower Thames Crossing is expected to offer more reliable journeys and open up local opportunities for investment and business growth, improving access to new jobs and skills. Work is currently being undertaken to assess the economic and transport benefits that will be generated by the scheme both locally and across the region. These appraisals will continue to inform both the detailed design and the case for the scheme, ahead of Highways England’s application for Development Consent in late 2019.

Aviation: Compensation

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to EU Regulation 261/2004 that entitles passengers to compensation for delayed flights, whether his Department is taking steps to ensure that a similar compensation scheme applies to flights from the UK to an airport located outside of the EU after the UK leaves the EU.

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether it is the Government's policy seek to maintain membership of the EU's Open Skies system.

Chris Grayling: The Government is seeking a comprehensive air transport agreement which maintains liberalised aviation access between and within the territory of the UK and the EU. The EU (Withdrawal) Act will retain EU law, as it stands at the moment of exit, in UK law. This means that the provisions established by EU regulation 261/2004 will continue to apply to flights from UK airports to both countries in and outside of the EU.

Large Goods Vehicles: Regulation

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what impact assessment he made prior to concluding that 10 years is an adequate derogation period for MCBP operators to adjust to new regulations.

Jesse Norman: In April 2018 the Department put in place a temporary administrative arrangement to enable much of the current fleet of Mobile Concrete Batching Plant (MCBP) vehicles to be legally operated for up to the next 10 years above the standard weight limits. This is intended to provide relevant operators with time to come into compliance with those currently-applicable limits. The Department sought stakeholder views on the appropriate length of the arrangement, with a proposed time range of 7 to 10 years. Following the representations received, in particular in relation to the normal lifespan of these vehicles, it was decided that a period of 10 years was appropriate.

Large Goods Vehicles: Regulation

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what impact assessment he made prior to concluding that seven months was an adequate timeframe for manufacturers to significantly redesign MCBP vehicles.

Jesse Norman: In April 2018 the Department put in place a temporary administrative arrangement to enable much of the current fleet of Mobile Concrete Batching Plant (MCBP) vehicles to be legally operated for up to the next 10 years above the standard weight limits. This is intended to provide relevant operators with time to come into compliance with those currently-applicable limits. There is no evidence of a technical reason to prevent existing MCBP vehicle designs being operated within these weight limits.

Bus Services: Tyne and Wear

Mr Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the trends in the (a) quantity and (b) frequency of bus services in (i) Jarrow Constituency (ii) South Tyneside and (iii) Tyne and Wear since 2010.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: The department does not hold any data on the quantity and frequency of bus services for Jarrow Constituency and South Tyneside, the lowest level geography available is upper tier local authority, in this instance Tyne and Wear. Data on vehicle miles on local bus services by local authority including Tyne and Wear is available for the years 2013/14 to 2016/17 in the data table BUS0208 in the Annual Bus Statistics for each respective year at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/bus-statistics#published-in-2018 . Bus operators must register their services with a traffic commissioner in the traffic area in which the service operates. The Traffic Commissioners’ annual reports provide information on the number of live local bus registrations in the North Western Traffic Area as at 31 March of each year; this information can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/traffic-commissioners-annual-reports. The report for the year ending March 2010 can be found here: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20131113220328/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-commissioners-annual-reports  Local authorities are best placed to manage changes in their local bus network. The Bus Services Act 2017 gives them additional powers to do so through partnership working with commercial operators. It also gives Mayoral Combined authorities the automatic right to franchise their bus network and the Department for Transport can also grant these powers to other local authorities who make a satisfactory business case. The Department is also developing regulations to require bus operators and local transport authorities to provide data, in open formats, about local bus services including routes and timetable data; fares and ticket data; and real time information. We are working closely with industry to develop the regulations and it is intended the requirements will be phased in over the next few years.

Bus Services: Tyne and Wear

Mr Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much his department has spent on bus services in (a) Jarrow Constituency (b) South Tyneside and (c) Tyne and Wear in each year since 2010.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: Up until 31 December 2013 Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) was paid directly to bus operators and was not split between commercially run or subsidised bus services. We are therefore unable to provide figures for this period. From 1 January 2014 local authorities have received funding equivalent to the level of BSOG which would otherwise have been paid to operators for running subsidised services in 2014. Details of the amounts paid to local authorities each year can be found on the “Payments to Local Authorities” tab of the relevant spreadsheets published at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/bus-services-grants-and-funding#bsog-spend

Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive: Finance

Mr Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much funding his Department has allocated to Nexus for (a) commercial bus services and (b) supported bus services in each year since 2010.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: Up until 31 December 2013 Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) was paid directly to bus operators and was not split between commercially run or subsidised bus services. We are therefore unable to provide figures for this period. From 1 January 2014 local authorities have received funding equivalent to the level of BSOG which would otherwise have been paid to operators for running subsidised services in 2014. Details of the amounts paid to local authorities each year can be found on the “Payments to Local Authorities” tab of the relevant spreadsheets published at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/bus-services-grants-and-funding#bsog-spend

Driving: Working Hours

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effect of regulations governing working hours of professional drivers on (a) public safety and (b) the safety and wellbeing of drivers.

Jesse Norman: No formal assessment has been made of the effect of the Road Transport (Working Time) Regulations 2005 (“the 2005 Regulations”), which limit working time to 48 hours per week on average, on public safety and driver welfare. However, statistics (from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings) show that heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers worked on average 48 hours per week in 2017, down from an average of 50 in 2004. Bus and coach drivers worked an average of 40.2 hours per week in 2017. Although accident reduction can be attributed to a number of factors, injury accidents involving HGVs and buses and coaches, whose drivers are mostly in scope of the 2005 Regulations, have been on a downward trend. In 2004 there were 11,542 accidents involving HGVs and 10,389 involving buses and coaches. In comparison, in 2016 there were 5,461 accidents involving HGVs and 4,915 involving buses and coaches.

Gatwick Express Railway Line

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the Rail Minister is (a) consulted and (b) signs off on decisions on changes to the timetabling of Gatwick Express services run under the GTR Management Contract.

Joseph Johnson: The Department for Transport sets the overall framework for Govia Thameslink Railway’s (GTR’s) timetables, including minimum numbers of services at each station as well as maximum journey times for key routes. The timetable changes that are being implemented from May 2018 in order to deliver the benefits of the Government’s £7bn investment in the Thameslink Programme, have been developed with the rail industry over a number of years. These changes were set out in GTR’s consultation, which took place in three stages in 2016 and 2017. It was one of the largest consultations to have taken place on the railways. The reason for the change is to maintain a consistent pattern of services during the peaks. While we appreciate that some passengers would prefer being able to choose between Southern and Gatwick Express services, this consistent calling pattern should bring more reliable and resilient service performance in the long term. Overall, the timetable has been designed by GTR to benefit the maximum number of its passengers.

Skipton-Colne Railway Line

John Grogan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent progress has been made on the feasibility study for the restorations of the Skipton-Colne Railway; and what the timetable is for his receiving the final report from that study.

Joseph Johnson: We are working closely with Transport for the North and relevant local transport authorities to evaluate the costs, benefits and funding options for reopening the line for passengers and freight, as part of a freight route across the Pennines. It builds on previous work commissioned by the local authorities and local campaign group. Work is in progress and we expect to receive the results later this year in the form of a Strategic Outline Business Case prepared in line with the Government’s new pipeline approach to rail enhancements.

Air Space: Republic of Ireland

Sir Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the recent statement of the Irish Prime Minister on the use of Irish airspace by UK airlines in the event of no deal being reached under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union; what advice the Government is providing to UK airlines as a result of that statement; and if he will make a statement.

Chris Grayling: The ability of UK airlines to fly through Irish airspace is not dependent upon the result of our negotiations with the EU. Airspace use is governed and guaranteed by an international treaty – the International Air Services Transit Agreement – to which both the UK and Ireland are signatories.

Railways: Warrington

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many trains (a) to and (b) from Warrington have been cancelled as a result of the recent disruption on the trans-Pennine line.

Joseph Johnson: The Department for Transport has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Govia Thameslink Railway

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to his oral evidence to the Transport Committee on 24 July 2018, Q341-345, HC 891, when he plans to publish the minutes of the Thameslink 2018 Industry Readiness Board.

Joseph Johnson: The Department for Transport has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Northern

Kate Hollern: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to increase the number of Northern services operating at weekends.

Joseph Johnson: The Department for Transport has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Department for Education

Education Fellowship Trust

Angela Rayner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 2 May 2018 to Question 138485 on Education Fellowship Trust, how many of the Education Fellowship Trust schools are awaiting rebrokering.

Nadhim Zahawi: There is one academy remaining in The Education Fellowship Trust (TEFT): the Wrenn School in Northamptonshire. The Department for Education is working with all parties involved to transfer Wrenn School out of TEFT to Creative Education Trust, the confirmed new trust, as soon as possible. Creative Education Trust is working closely with the school ahead of transfer.Our priority has been to transfer all academies from TEFT, as smoothly as possible, to strong trusts that will be able to give these pupils the best possible education.

Free School Meals

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Government response to the consultation on Eligibility for free school meals, the early years pupil premium and the free early education entitlement for two-year-olds under Universal Credit, published in March 2018, what estimate he has made of additional costs to his Department per year as a result of the proposed Free School Meal eligibility criteria.

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Government response to the consultation on Eligibility for free school meals, the early years pupil premium and the free early education entitlement for two-year-olds under Universal Credit, published in March 2018, whether his Department will be be the only Department funding additional costs accumulated due to the proposed changes in free school meals eligibility criteria.

Nadhim Zahawi: Our new criteria for free school meals eligibility are forecast to increase the number of children eligible for this vital benefit. In addition, our transitional protections will mean that all children currently receiving a free meal will continue to do so.We have published a technical note setting out our forecast of how many additional pupils will be eligible for free school meals because of the recent changes we have made. This is available at the following address:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/free-school-meals-technical-analysis-note.Costs within this Spending Review period fall predominantly within the pupil premium and dedicated school grant budgets, and there is flexibility in these budgets to allow for changes in demand. We publish spend through these budgets at the appropriate points in the year.Due to the lagged nature of school funding, the majority of costs fall within the next and subsequent Spending Review periods; budgets beyond 2020 will be set in the next Spending Review. Eligibility for free school meals is set out in legislation and this government is committed to ensuring that disadvantaged children and young people benefit from free school meals.

Students: Loans

Angela Rayner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate he has made of the additional ring-fenced RDEL his Department will require to fund the increased RAB charge resulting from the increase to post-2012 loan repayment thresholds in each of the next three financial years.

Mr Sam Gyimah: As in previous years, the allocated budget for Resource Allocation Budget (RAB) expenditure was published in the DfE Annual Report and Accounts 2017/18, which can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dfe-consolidated-annual-report-and-accounts-2017-to-2018 . The budget for RAB expenditure is part of the depreciation figure and is shown as c.£3.9 billion for 2018/19 and c.£4.3 billion in 2019/20. The 2018/19 budget and future budgets will be reviewed as part of the annual estimates process and confirmed in the published estimates documents. No budget has been allocated for 2020-21, this will be agreed as part of the next spending review. This follows the department’s statistical release on student loan forecasts published on 28 June 2018, which showed the RAB charge for higher education loans is expected to be 45% under the new policy: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/719817/Student_loan_forecasts_2017-18.pdf The cost of the system is a conscious investment in young people and required to make higher and further education widely available, achieving the government’s objectives of increasing the skills in the economy and ensuring access to university for all with the potential to benefit. We have added to that investment recently by freezing tuition fees for academic years 2018/19 and 2019/20, and raising the repayment threshold from £21,000 to £25,000 for the financial year 2018/19.

Mexborough Academy

Angela Rayner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, on what date the Mexborough Academy was re-brokered after sponsorship from Wakefield City Academies Trust ended.

Nadhim Zahawi: On 18 July 2018, the Department for Education confirmed Delta Academies Trust (Delta) as the new trust for Mexborough Academy. We are working with all parties to transfer Mexborough Academy from Wakefield City Academies Trust (WCAT) into Delta as soon as possible.Since January 2018, Delta continues to provide school improvement support at Mexborough, ensuring pupils are benefitting from a strong trust immediately. Our priority continues to be the education of the pupils and moving Mexborough Academy, the final school remaining in WCAT, to Delta, with as little disruption as possible.

Arts and Design: GCSE

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many and what proportion of students in each ethnic group studied Art and Design at GCSE Level in the last 12 months.

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate he has made of the (a) number and (b) ethnicity of pupils who studied Art and Design at A-Level in 2017-18.

Nick Gibb: The Department does not currently hold data on the subjects entered by pupils/students in the 2017/18 academic year. The Department will publish ethnicity (and other characteristic breakdowns) for GCSEs and A levels in January 2019.The latest GCSE information held by the Department is the number of pupils[1], in state-funded schools, at the end of key stage 4, who entered GCSE (or equivalent) 'Applied Art and Design' and 'Art and Design'[2], for 2016/17[3], split by ethnicity[4].EthnicityApplied Art and DesignArt and DesignTotal%Total%All Pupils556100.0143,748100.0Asian Pupils498.812,2968.6Black Pupils81.45,5933.9Chinese Pupilsxx7020.5Mixed Pupils183.26,4004.5White Pupils45882.4114,84579.9All Other Ethnic Groups173.12,3021.6Unknown Ethnicityxx1,6101.1Percentage of all pupils at the end of KS4 entering 0.1 27.2The latest A level information held by the Department is published in the A level and other 16 to 18 results statistics[5]. This publication has the number of students entering A-level[6] Art and Design[7], split by ethnicity for 2016/17[8].  [1] Total number of entries include pupils who were absent, whose results are pending and results which are ungraded or unclassified.[2] Discounting has been applied where pupils have taken the same subject more than once and only one entry is counted in these circumstances. Prior to 2014, best entry discounting, where the pupil’s best result is used was in place in performance tables. From 2014 onwards, first entry rules were introduced, where a pupil’s first entry in that subject is used in performance tables. For more information on discounting and early entry, see: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/key-stage-4-qualifications-discount-codes-and-point-scores.[3] All figures are based on final data so will deviate from total entries figures published in the departments statistical release.[4] Ethnicity is taken from the school census for that academic year.[5] For 2016/17 - https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/a-level-and-other-16-to-18-results-2016-to-2017-revised (open the ‘A level exam results and A level and vocational participation csv’ and then the ‘A level subjects by characteristics’ file).[6] Students, at the end of their 16-18 study, who entered A level Art and Design.[7] Includes entries into A level Art and Design qualifications which are eligible for inclusion in performance tables. Where qualifications taken by a student are in the same subject area and similar in content, ‘discounting’ rules have been applied to avoid double counting qualifications.[8] Figures are based on final data.x = Figures not shown in order to protect confidentiality.

Special Educational Needs: Autism

Darren Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of levels of funding for autistic spectrum children in education.

Darren Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the level of funding for the support of autistic spectrum children in education.

Nadhim Zahawi: Local councils have a statutory duty under the Children and Families Act (2014) to identify needs in their local area. They also have a duty, together with partner agencies, to commission services to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. This includes services for children and young people with autism. These services must be included in each council’s ‘local offer’ of available services. Each local offer must be reviewed regularly in consultation with local families, which involves taking the families’ views into consideration when assessing demand and local needs. Core funding for schools and high needs has risen from almost £41 billion in the period 2017 to 2018 to £42.4 billion in the period 2018 to 2019. £6 billion of this funding is allocated for high needs. We have provided an additional £140 million in high needs funding in the period 2018 to 2019 and will provide an additional £120 million in the period 2019 to 2020. This supports local authorities to meet the needs of all children and young people with more complex SEND, including those with autism. In Bristol, the local authority will receive £51 million in high needs funding in the period 2018 to 2019, which is 2.7% more than in the period 2017 to 2018. Figures for each local authority can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dedicated-schools-grant-dsg-2018-to-2019. Additionally, the department has been funding the Autism Education Trust (AET) since 2011 to provide training for early years, school and further education staff. To date, the AET has provided training, through sub-contracted ‘hubs’, for more than 185,000 education staff so that they support children and young people with autism. This contract was extended from April 2018 to March 2020 with a further £1.45 million.

Schools: Standards

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what performance standards he has set for (a) academies and (b) local authorities to conclude the transfer of a pupil to a new school as a result of a change of address; and if he will make a statement.

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what penalties are incurred by a school for a delay in returning forms required for a pupils to transfer to another school as a result of a house move.

Nick Gibb: Parents can apply for a place at any school, at any time.The statutory School Admissions Code, which is binding on all schools, including academies, sets out the process for admission into school. Since 2012, parents have been able to apply directly to the admissions authority of their preferred school, when applying for a place outside the normal points of entry. Local authorities must provide parents with information about available school places in their area and a suitable application form that they can use to apply.Where a school has places available, it must admit all applicants. When a school receives an in-year application, it is required to notify the local authority of the outcome of that application. Schools are also required to notify the local authority when a pupil’s name is to be added or removed from the attendance register. If parents are refused a school place, they must be offered the right to appeal.We expect admission authorities to make timely decisions on in-year applications. Where they fail to do so, parents can raise a formal complaint through the school’s complaints procedure.

Social Mobility Commission: Public Appointments

Angela Rayner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many Social Mobility Commissioners have been appointed; and how many positions on that Commission remain vacant.

Nadhim Zahawi: The recruitment process for social mobility commissioners is ongoing in line with the public appointments process guidance and according to the timelines originally set out in the advertisement for the roles.

Social Mobility

Peter Aldous: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to improve social mobility.

Nadhim Zahawi: Improving social mobility remains a critical challenge for our country. It is a challenge that my department is taking significant strides to overcome. Since 2010, 1.9 million more children are in good and outstanding schools and more disadvantaged pupils are going to university. The attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers has reduced by 10% since 2011. In addition, we are proud to have expanded apprenticeships and to have supported more disadvantaged students into higher education. This will help to boost productivity and to expand opportunities. Our plans to make further progress include spending £72 million on 12 Opportunity Areas. As my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, mentioned in his speech in July this year, taking action on the home learning environment is also crucial so that children do not fall behind before they start school. That is why he announced plans for a summit with the National Literacy Trust and major businesses in order to find new ways to halve the number of children starting primary school without the necessary literacy skills by 2028.

Teachers: Training

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment has he made of the quality of teacher training provision in (a) Coventry, (b) the West Midlands and (c) England.

Nick Gibb: Ofsted is responsible for making judgements about the quality of training provided by all providers and their partnerships. All initial teacher training (ITT) partnerships in Coventry and the West Midlands were judged to be either good or outstanding at their most recent Ofsted inspection. Across England, 99% of ITT partnerships were judged to be either good or outstanding at their most recent Ofsted inspection.The latest newly qualified teacher (NQT) survey report was published on 5 September 2018. NQTs were largely positive about the quality of their ITT – 81% rated overall quality as 7-10 out of 10. This is a sample survey of NQTs who gained qualified teacher status (QTS) status between December 2015 and November 2016, therefore regional level analysis is not possible.

Languages: Teachers

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent discussions he has held with (a) the Minister for the Cabinet Office and (b) the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union on the effect of the UK leaving the EU on the recruitment and retention of modern foreign language teachers.

Nick Gibb: The Department works with the Department for Exiting the European Union (DExEU) and the Home Office to ensure educational workforce supply needs are considered as the UK leaves the EU and moves to a new migration framework. The Government has commissioned the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to provide independent advice, due in September, to help develop a future immigration system. The Department welcomed their interim report in March and the contribution it makes to the immigration debate. Their analysis is incomplete and it would be wrong to pre-empt their final report. The Government will take account of the MAC’s advice when making decisions about the future immigration system. The recruitment and retention of modern foreign languages teachers domestically is a priority. The Department offers a £26,000 tax-free bursary or £28,000 tax-free scholarship for language trainees and funds training in language teaching for teachers wishing to change subject specialism. A student loan reimbursement scheme for language teachers in the local authorities most in need is also available. Initial Teacher Training providers are supported to develop opt in courses for students on undergraduate language degree courses to gain Qualified Teacher Status.

Free School Meals: Nutrition

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the nutritional content of free school meals.

Nadhim Zahawi: All local authority maintained schools must comply with the School Food Standards. Academies and free schools are also required to comply with the standards via their funding agreements, with the exception of a proportion founded between 2010 and 2014 that we expect to comply voluntarily. All food served in these schools, including free school meals, must comply with these school food standards. The standards ensure that food provided to pupils in school is nutritious and of high quality, promotes good nutritional health in all pupils, protects those who are nutritionally vulnerable and promotes good eating behaviour.The department has not held any recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the nutritional content of free school meals.

Schools: Uniforms

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to limit the amount schools charge for school uniforms.

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance his Department has issued to schools on the pricing of school uniforms.

Nick Gibb: It is for the governing body of a school (or in the case of academies, the academy trust) to decide rules relating to appearance, including whether there should be a school uniform, what it will be, and how it is sourced.The Department has issued best practice guidance on school uniform, which emphasises the need for schools to give highest priority to cost considerations. The guidance sets out that no school uniform should be so expensive as to leave pupils or their families feeling unable to apply to, or attend, a school of their choice.The Department’s guidance is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-uniform.

Schools: Fees and Charges

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will make it his policy to introduce a scheme to support (a) low income families and (b) families with multiple school-age children with the cost of (i) compulsory uniforms, (ii) school equipment and (iii) school-based activities.

Nadhim Zahawi: Through the pupil premium, which is worth more than £2.4 billion each year, schools receive significant additional grant funding to support the children of low-income families. The grant allocation is based on the number of eligible pupils attending the school each January. Therefore, greater numbers of pupils claiming free school meals (FSM) generate greater grant funding for the school. School leaders are free to use the money in any way that they choose to benefit their pupils. This may include providing financial support for uniform and equipment purchase, school trips and activities. We understand how important it is for pupils to be ready to learn and to participate in school activities. We know that many schools use the pupil premium to help their pupils with these necessities. The department publishes uniform guidance, which places great emphasis on schools giving the highest priority to cost considerations. The high cost of a school uniform should not leave pupils or their families feeling unable to apply to, or attend, a school of their choice. Some English local authorities provide discretionary grants to help with buying school uniforms, using their own eligibility criteria. We publish clear rules about school charging parents for elements of their child’s education. This states that schools cannot:charge registered pupils for education provided as part of the school’s duties to provide the national curriculumcharge parents for materials and equipment needed to take part in education during the school day, unless the parent wishes to own the item.  Where a school trip involves education for which the school cannot charge, the school must fully remit the cost of any board and lodgings for pupils eligible for FSM.

Mexborough Academy

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 25 April 2018 to Question 136869 on Wakefield City Academies Trust, whether the Mexborough Academy has been re-brokered.

Nadhim Zahawi: On 18 July 2018, the Department for Education confirmed Delta Academies Trust (Delta) as the new trust for Mexborough Academy. We are working with all parties to transfer Mexborough Academy from Wakefield City Academies Trust into Delta as soon as possible.Since January 2018, Delta continues to provide school improvement support at Mexborough, ensuring pupils are benefitting from a strong trust immediately. Our priority continues to be the education of the pupils and moving Mexborough Academy, to Delta, with as little disruption as possible.

Schools: Equipment

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the findings of the National Education Union and Child Poverty Action Group, Child poverty and education: A survey of the experiences of NEU members, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the number of school staff who are personally purchasing equipment for students.

Nadhim Zahawi: The Department for Education has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Schools: Transport

Angela Rayner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much funding his Department has allocated to local authorities for home to school travel in each financial year since 2014-15.

Nick Gibb: The Department for Education has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

GCSE

James Frith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions (a) Ministers of his Department and (b) officials in his Department have had with the (i) CBI, (ii) Federation of Small Business and (iii) British Chamber of Commerce on employer-understanding of the recent changes to 9-1 grading for GCSEs.

Nick Gibb: Officials at the Department have held a number of discussions with the Confederation of British Industry, the Federation of Small Businesses and the British Chamber of Commerce with the purpose of increasing awareness and understanding of the new GCSEs. The Department has also worked with these organisations to communicate the new GCSE grading scale to employers, via the Department’s online factsheets and videos.Ofqual, the independent qualifications regulator, has also worked with these organisations and other employer groups to support employer understanding. Ofqual published a report on perceptions of the new GCSEs in April 2018. The findings showed that awareness amongst businesses of the 9 to 1 grading scale had doubled from 32% in the previous survey in April 2017, to 68% this year.Ministers regularly meet employer groups to discuss a range of issues.

Social Mobility Commission: Public Appointments

Angela Rayner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 4 September 2018 to Question 167999 on Social Mobility Commission: public appointments, how many applications have been received; and whether shortlisting has taken place for the recruitment of new commissioners to the Social Mobility Commission.

Nadhim Zahawi: The recruitment process for new Social Mobility Commission Commissioners is ongoing in line with the procedures set out in the Governance Code for Public Appointments and according to the timelines originally set out in the advertisement for the roles. We received 306 applications for the roles.

Grammar Schools: Transport

Angela Rayner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 4 September 2018 to Question 168002, to what budget the £5 million fund for transport to selective schools for disadvantaged pupils has been reallocated.

Nick Gibb: As the Department is not taking forward proposals to open new selective schools, we are not taking forward plans for free transport specifically for children who are eligible for free school meals who attend their nearest selective school. The £5.5 million allocated to this fund was therefore not retained by the Department.

Teachers: Recruitment

Gareth Thomas: What recent steps he has taken to increase the number of people entering the teaching profession.

Nick Gibb: This government is committed to world class public services. To ensure teaching remains an attractive and fulfilling profession, we are delivering a fully funded pay rise of up to 3.5% for classroom teachers on the main pay range, 2% for those on the upper pay range and 1.5% for those in leadership positions.For recruitment to initial teacher training starting in September 2018 we put in place a range of measures including generous bursaries, worth up to £26,000 for priority subjects, to encourage even more talented trainees to key subjects such as maths and physics.Earlier this year my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced the development of a new strategy to drive recruitment and boost retention of teachers. The strategy will cover a wide range of areas, including professional development, career progression, flexible working, and entry routes into teaching.

Pupil Exclusions

Dr Rupa Huq: What steps his Department is taking to reduce the number of school exclusions.

Nick Gibb: We support head teachers in using exclusion where this is warranted.We have launched a review of exclusions, led by Edward Timpson, which will explore how head teachers use exclusion in practice and differences in exclusion rates across England.The review will aim to report by the end of the year. The full terms of reference for the review can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-exclusions-review-terms-of-reference.

First Aid: Education

Will Quince: What assessment he has made of the potential benefits to children of introducing compulsory first aid education in schools.

Nick Gibb: We know how important it is that pupils are taught the knowledge to be happy, healthy and safe. That is why for the first time, all state-funded schools will be required to teach Health Education, and why the draft statutory guidance, currently out for consultation, includes content on first aid.

Higher Education

Clive Lewis: What steps he is taking to improve the information available to prospective students on the costs and benefits of higher education.

Mr Sam Gyimah: The Department is working to make information, advice and guidance on higher education options more accessible to prospective students.We are running an Open Data Competition to support development of innovative online platforms to provide information on graduate outcomes. We have introduced the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework to help students identify excellent teaching and best graduate outcomes. The Student Loans Company (SLC) also regularly reviews and updates student finance information based on feedback from students.

Students: Mental Health Services

Vicky Ford: What assessment he has made of the adequacy of mental health support available to students attending university.

Mr Sam Gyimah: The University Mental Health Charter announced in June 2018 will drive up standards in promoting student and staff mental health and wellbeing. The Charter, which will reward institutions that deliver improved student mental health outcomes, will develop in an iterative process, shaped by co-production with students, staff and partner organisations.71 per cent of universities do not have an explicit strategy for mental health provision although 94 per cent of higher education institutions (HEIs) report an increase in demand for counselling services over the past five years. In some HEIs, up to one in four students are using, or are waiting to use, counselling services.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Energy: Hydrogen

Anna Turley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps is he taking to support research and development for large-scale hydrogen conversion projects.

Claire Perry: The Government is currently undertaking work to strengthen and assess the evidence on the range of potential approaches to decarbonising heat in the long-term. This work includes examining the possibility of large scale conversion of the gas network to hydrogen, as well as looking at the potential of other low carbon gases, heat networks, and large-scale electrification of heating. In support of this work we are investing in hydrogen innovation, with up to £65 million supporting projects addressing the fundamental challenges of large-scale hydrogen conversion, such as establishing the safety case and reducing production costs.

General Electric: Rugby

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence on the future of GE engineering in Rugby.

Richard Harrington: My rt. hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Secretary of State for Defence regularly engage on areas of joint interest. I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to her by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Defence on 7th September 2018 to Question 167268 regarding that Department's procurement of Type 26 programme components across the United Kingdom and overseas.

Energy: Meters

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to ensure compatibility of smart meters with different energy suppliers to encourage customers to switch to cheaper tariffs.

Claire Perry: Energy suppliers are currently transitioning from the first generation of smart meters to the new SMETS2 smart meters that can be used across energy suppliers from the point of installation. Work is also underway to enrol the first generation of smart meters into the national Data and Communications Company (DCC) which will allow the SMETS1 smart meters to be used by all energy suppliers.

General Electric: Rugby

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department plans to agree to General Electric's proposed closure of manufacturing facilities in Rugby.

Richard Harrington: There has been no formal announcement by GE of an intention to close their Manufacturing Facility in Rugby. The restructuring and job losses announced by the company earlier this year remain under consultation with employee representatives. The Department continues to monitor impacts on the GE Power businesses in the UK

Parental Leave: Fathers

Angela Crawley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to encourage more fathers to take shared parental leave.

Kelly Tolhurst: Between February and April 2018, we ran a £1.5m paid for communications campaign to promote Shared Parental Leave and Pay to eligible parents. This was supported by the publication of revised tools and guidance which make it easier for parents to understand and access the scheme.

Airbus and BMW

Mr David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what meetings Ministers or officials of his Department had with representatives of (a) Airbus and (b) BMW at which company announcements relating to the UK leaving the EU were discussed in May and June 2018.

Richard Harrington: Holding answer received on 05 September 2018



There were no Ministerial meetings with BMW during May or June. I visited Airbus’ Filton facility with my hon. Friend the Member for Filton and Bradley Stoke on 21 June, but announcements relating to the UK leaving the EU were not discussed. Although officials met regularly with Airbus and BMW in the normal course of business during May and June, neither company discussed at these meetings their announcements relating to EU Exit ahead of making them. Their announcements were subsequently discussed in meetings between officials and the companies.

Social Science: Research

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to support the commercialisation of social science research.

Mr Sam Gyimah: Social sciences have a central role to play in contributing to the UK economy and society, and the challenges set out in the industrial strategy. UKRI through the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and Research England have a range of mechanisms to help deliver benefits from social science, including support for commercialisation; ESRC funding for impact activities from research projects can be requested via their “Pathways to Impact”. (Data from ResearchFish shows that 29 spinouts from ESRC funding have been registered with Companies House between 2010 and 2017.)ESRC also funds Impact Acceleration Accounts (IAAs) at 25 universities to accelerate the impact of research.Research England support via Higher Education Innovation Funding (HEIF) (currently £210 million per year) for English universities for a range of knowledge exchange activities. Each institution decides how to deploy this according to their own strategic priorities, some will support commercialisation of social sciences.Research England has also awarded £5m from the Connecting Capability Fund to London School of Economics, in partnership with the Universities of Manchester and Sussex, for “ASPECT” (A Social sciences Platform for Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation and Transformation) to develop a “globally leading social sciences commercialisation ecosystem.” This expects to create new companies to improve productivity and solve the most pressing social challenges. In addition, a number of calls announced in Wave 2 of the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund have included and embedded social science, and UKRI will ensure that there are opportunities for social science to contribute to solving the ambitious challenges set out in the Fund.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy: Brexit

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate he has made of the cost to his Department of leaving the EU in accordance with (a) the proposals set out in the Government’s White Paper and (b) a no-deal scenario.

Richard Harrington: In the financial year 2018/19, HMT allocated BEIS a supplementary £185.1m for EU exit work. As the negotiations continue, BEIS will reassess its requirements accordingly. Like other departments, BEIS will be invited to bid for 2019/20 EU exit funding from HMT later in the year with details of timings and process to be announced in due course.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy: Brexit

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what the cost to the public purse has been of his Department hiring additional staff to cover issues related to the UK leaving the EU.

Richard Harrington: In the financial year 2017/18, HM Treasury allocated nearly £300m across a number of departments from the Reserve - BEIS received £35.1m of this funding, of which the majority related to staff costs. In the financial year 2018/19, HMT allocated BEIS a supplementary £185.1m for EU exit work, of which £57.3m has been identified for staff. BEIS will keep these costs under review over the course of the current financial year. As the negotiations continue, BEIS will reassess its requirements accordingly. Like other departments, BEIS will be invited to bid for 2019/20 EU exit funding from HMT later in the year with details of timings and process to be announced in due course.

Motor Vehicles: Manufacturing Industries

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to encourage an increase in the level of production of UK-made components for the UK automotive industry.

Richard Harrington: The level of UK content by value in domestically produced vehicles increased to 44 per cent in 2017, up from 36 per cent in 2011. As part of the Automotive Sector Deal, the government committed to invest £16m, subject to business case, for an industry led programme to raise the competitiveness and productivity of UK suppliers. This will support the industry’s ambition to increase level of UK content in domestically produced vehicles to 50 per cent by 2022. Through the government’s investment in the Advanced Propulsion Centre, Faraday Battery Challenge, and connected and autonomous vehicles, we are supporting the development of technologies that will form the basis of future low carbon and zero emission supply chains.

Manufactured Goods: Consumption

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps the Government is taking to increase consumption of products manufactured in the UK.

Richard Harrington: Through our ambitious Industrial Strategy, we are committed to making the UK the best place in Europe to own and grow a manufacturing business. We will make sure that we are using all the tools we have to stimulate growth in all parts of the UK. That means using our record investments in infrastructure to unlock growth in every part of the country and using the major new investment in research to support innovative manufacturing businesses across the country.As we leave the EU we remain committed to making the UK the best place in Europe to own and grow a business.

Production

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps is the Government taking to increase production of (a) goods and (b) energy in the UK.

Richard Harrington: Through our Industrial Strategy we are committed to making the UK the best place in Europe to own and grow a manufacturing business. That means using our record investments in infrastructure to unlock growth in every part of the country; using the major new investment in research. This includes a commitment to increase total R&D investment to 2.4% of GDP by 2027 to support innovative manufacturing businesses across the country; and encouraging inward investment. We will create the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a domestic programme of investment, to boost productivity and reduce economic inequality across the country following our departure from the European Union. The Clean Growth Strategy sets out our policies and proposals for decarbonising the UK economy through the 2020s, building on the UK’s significant progress to date. The Clean Growth Grand Challenge and missions aim to amplify and extend these plans across the whole economy to maximise the advantage for UK industry from the global shift to clean growth and ensure we have safe, secure and low carbon energy supplies.

Manufacturing Industries: Employment

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent estimate has he made of the number of people that will be employed in manufacturing industries in the UK in the next (a) five and (b) ten years.

Richard Harrington: We do not make estimates of the number of people who will be employed in manufacturing industries in the UK in the next 5 or 10 years and have no immediate plan to do so. The manufacturing industry accounts for 2.7 million jobs[1] and has been stable at around this level since 2009. Government recognises the vital role the manufacturing sector plays in the economy and to local places through jobs and growth. Through our Industrial Strategy, we are committed to making the UK the best place in Europe to own and grow a manufacturing business and are working closely with industry to secure a strong future for UK manufacturers and their employees. Including through the major new investment in research to support -o innovative manufacturing businesses across the country;o reforming our technical education system to achieve a world-class status;o developing a National Retraining Scheme to support adults to upskill and reskill throughout their career as the economy changes [1] ONS workforce jobs (2017)

Central Heating: Sales

Jamie Stone: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what protections are available to consumers that have purchased new central heating systems through (a) Government grants, (b) levy schemes and other (c) green energy initiatives that are in excess of the £42 covered by the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013.

Jamie Stone: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether Alternative Dispute Resolution procedures are available to people that have bought central heating systems using (a) Government grants, (b) levy schemes and (c) other green energy initiatives.

Jamie Stone: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to ensure the adequacy of installation services provided by companies installing new central heating systems paid through (a) Government grants, (b) levy schemes and (c) other green energy initiatives.

Claire Perry: It is an eligibility requirement for the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme, which supports the installation of domestic renewable heating systems, that both the product and installation are covered by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), which is the nationally recognised quality assurance scheme for microgeneration renewable heating technologies. MCS standards require installations to a defined quality, using products that have met testing standards. For the installation to qualify for RHI, the installer must be a member of MCS, use a product that is certified by MCS and the product must be on the RHI Product Eligibility List: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/domestic-renewable-heat-incentive-product-eligibility-list-pelMCS and its certification bodies have a consumer protection process in place in case there is a problem with an installation. Installers also have to be members of a consumer code, either the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) or Home Insulation and Energy Systems Contractors Scheme (HIES). These are approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI). The standards that installers must meet when contracting with consumers are set out by these codes. They also cover advertising and promotion, behaviour of sales staff, proposals, estimates and quotes, terms of business, cancellation rights, deposits and prepayments, guarantees, maintenance and service agreements and service and repair. Both RECC and HIES have accredited Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedures. The ADR processes for RECC and HIES can be found at: https://www.recc.org.uk/consumers/how-to-complain and https://www.hiesscheme.org.uk/how-to-complain/New central heating systems can be installed under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) with any system having to meet relevant building regulations, the publicly available specification (PAS) or other relevant requirements to be eligible. Further guidance can be found on the Ofgem website at: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/energy-company-obligation-2017-18-eco2t-guidance-deliveryGovernment is supporting the implementation of the Each Home Counts review of quality and standards in the energy efficiency and renewable energy sector. This will involve the introduction of a new quality mark standard and Government has said that it intends to apply that to ECO.

Modern Working Practices Review

Chris Stephens: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when his Department plans to publish its legislative proposals in response to the Taylor Review into Working Practices; and if he will make a statement.

Kelly Tolhurst: I am grateful to all those who have contributed to the Taylor Review and the consultation we published in response. The Government is carefully considering the responses to the consultations and will respond in due course.

Living Wage

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will increase the national living wage to the rate recommended by the Living Wage Commission.

Kelly Tolhurst: Through the National Living Wage, since it was introduced in 2016, the Government has boosted incomes for the lowest paid by £2,000. We have asked the Low Pay Commission (LPC) to recommend the rate of the National Living Wage such that it reaches 60 per cent of median earnings in 2020, subject to sustained economic growth. In making their recommendations, the LPC draw on a wide range of independent research and stakeholder evidence – including an assessment of the affordability to businesses. The Government is responsible for setting minimum pay thresholds - and strongly supports employers that choose to pay in excess of the statutory minima.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

International Criminal Court

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the use of the amending procedure of the Rome Statute, Article 121(5), to withdraw from the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court over the crime of aggression, is consistent with the UK's ratification of articles 12-15, which commits the UK to accepting the Court's jurisdiction over this crime.

Mark Field: ​In December 2017, the International Criminal Court (ICC) Assembly of States Parties considered how and when to activate the Court’s jurisdiction over the crime of aggression. It confirmed that the Court does not have jurisdiction in respect of the territory or nationals of a State that has not ratified the crime of aggression amendments to the Rome Statute, absent a UN Security Council resolution. This position is entirely consistent with Article 121(5) and all other Articles of the Rome Statute. It is now for each State to choose whether to ratify the relevant amendments, and thereby accept the Court’s jurisdiction. To date, only 35 States Parties have done so. The UK has no plans to ratify the amendments, as we consider that the UN Security Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, and it is for the UN Security Council to determine when an act of aggression has occurred, as provided for in the UN Charter.

Eritrea: Ethiopia

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his international counterparts on consolidating the end of the state of war recently agreed by the Governments of Eritrea and Ethiopia.

Harriett Baldwin: The UK has engaged extensively with the parties and international partners in support of the joint declaration between the Presidents of Eritrea and Ethiopia. This has included discussion at the UN Security Council, which issued a press statement on 10 July, welcoming the commitment by both parties to resume diplomatic ties and open a new chapter of cooperation and partnership.The Foreign Secretary has written to Ethiopian Foreign Minister Workneh and expressed, inter alia, our support for the normalisation of relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea. He welcomed the positive implications for the stability and prosperity of those countries. Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers have discussed the issue with international counterparts and, earlier in August, the Secretaries of State for Defence and International Development discussed the potential for practical UK support during their respective visits to the region; I will follow this up when I visit Addis Ababa later this year.

Nigeria: Violence

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps are being taken to support the Nigerian Government in alleviating the conflict between Fulani herders and farming communities.

Harriett Baldwin: The Prime Minister discussed the violence between pastoralists and farmers with President Buhari during her visit to Nigeria, emphasising the need to tackle the crisis through mediation and reconciliation, eschewing religious rhetoric. The Prime Minister was clear that the violence must stop and the needs of all affected communities are met. The UK continues to explore options for how we could best assist the Nigerian government in achieving this.

Nigeria: Violence

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what information he holds on the means by which Fulani herders in Nigeria come into possession of sophisticated weaponry.

Harriett Baldwin: We assess that where sophisticated weaponry is being used by Fulani herders and others in Nigeria, it is frequently acquired by illicit means. We do not have evidence of the source of the weaponry being used, which varies widely. Our assessment is that it is a combination of items manufactured locally, transported from other parts of Nigeria, or smuggled in from other countries.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Official Residences

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the cost to the public purse was of housing the previous Foreign Secretary at his official ministerial residence.

Alistair Burt: The total running cost (including rent, utilities, maintenance and facilities management) for the official ministerial residence at 1 Carlton Gardens for the last two available financial years combined was £2,308,488. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is responsible for paying the total running cost whether or not a Foreign Secretary chooses to live in the official residence.All Foreign Secretaries living in the official ministerial residence are responsible for paying the council tax and utility bills for the private living area. The previous Foreign Secretary did so throughout the period he lived there from 27 October 2016 to 31 July 2018.

India: Homicide

Liz McInnes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether his Department has held discussions with the Government of India on (a) the recent killing of five nomadic people in Maharashtra state which was filmed and shared on social media and (b) other so-called WhatsApp Lynchings.

Mark Field: Officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's India Network and central teams in London monitor closely reports of human rights abuses, raising issues where appropriate with the Government of India. We are in regular contact with minority representatives in India as well as human rights activists and NGOs. While we are aware of this particular issue, it is not one that we have yet raised with the Government of India.

Ilois: Finance

Mike Kane: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of whether the £40 million fund for Chagossians has addressed the needs of those citizens residing in the UK.

Sir Alan Duncan: In November 2016 the Government agreed to fund a package of approximately £40 million to improve the lives of Chagossians in the communities in which they now live. We are engaging with the UK Chagossian community to identify the constraints and barriers experienced by them to inform our ongoing assessment of needs. We will continue to work with Chagossian communities to identify and develop programmes which will make the biggest improvement in the life chances of Chagossians who need it most. Ministers remain committed to meeting the objectives of this package.

Southern Africa: LGBT People

Christine Jardine: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for International Trade on LGBT rights in (a) Botswana, (b) Namibia and (c) Swaziland.

Harriett Baldwin: Our High Commissions regularly raise LGBT rights with Eswatini, Namibia and Botswana as part of our human rights agenda. The Prime Minister championed LGBT rights at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM) in April 2018, which was attended by Botswana, Namibia and Eswatini.

Southern Africa: LGBT People

Christine Jardine: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to his counterparts in (a) Swaziland, (b) Namibia and (c) Botswana on LGBT+ rights in those countries.

Harriett Baldwin: Our High Commissions regularly raise LGBT rights with Eswatini, Namibia and Botswana as part of our human rights agenda. The Prime Minister championed LGBT rights at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM) in April 2018, which was attended by Botswana, Namibia and Eswatini.

Burma: Press Freedom

Christine Jardine: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the Myanmar government regarding the imprisonment of Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo.

Mark Field: ​Government Ministers have repeatedly called for the immediate release of Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo since their arrest in December 2017. The Foreign Secretary called their conviction and sentencing on 3 September "an unconscionable blow to press freedom" and committed to raising their case with Burmese representatives. I called for their release in my conversation with Burma's Minister for International Cooperation on 17 August.

China: Religious Freedom

Christine Jardine: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the Chinese Government on reports of political re-education camps housing up to one million Uighur Muslims in that country.

Mark Field: We remain deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Xinjiang. We are aware of credible reports of thousands of Uighurs being held in political re-education camps. UK officials recently visited Xinjiang to see the latest situation at first-hand, and found a heavy security presence on the ground.The Foriegn Secretary raised our concerns about Xinjiang, and specifically so called ‘re-education camps’, with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his visit to China in July 2018. I also raised our concerns about Xinjiang with Vice Minister Guo Yezhou during my visit to China on 22 July 2018. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials will continue to monitor the situation in Xinjiang closely.​

Ramin Hossein Panahi

Rosie Duffield: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Iranian counterpart on the death sentence imposed on Ramin Hossein Panahi.

Alistair Burt: ​The British Government is firmly opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances and in every country, including Iran, especially in cases which do not meet the minimum standards defined by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. We have made this clear to Iran, both in public and in private. Most recently, I discussed human rights including the use of the death penalty when I met with my Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi in Tehran on 1 September.

Israa al-Ghomgham

Mr Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to his Saudi counterpart on the sentencing of human rights activist Israa al-Ghomgham.

Alistair Burt: ​We are closely monitoring the case of Israa al-Ghomgham and other political activists. We will raise our concerns on human rights with the Saudi authorities in private.

Saudi Arabia: Arms Trade

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the Government receives legal advice on the legality of the sale of arms to Saudi Arabia.

Alistair Burt: The Government's legal advice is subject to legal professional privilege. The High Court’s judgment of July 2017 confirmed that we have in place a robust and rigorous process for assessing export licensing decisions for Saudi Arabia. We assess all export licensing decisions for Saudi Arabia on a case by case basis against the Consolidated Criteria. Our assessments take into account evidence from a range of sources including the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, other government departments, the media and Non-GO reports.

Emergency Travel Documents

Jo Stevens: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how much his Department has received in charges for providing emergency travel documents to UK citizens in each of the last five years.

Harriett Baldwin: ​Over the last five financial years the Foreign & Commonwealth Office has received income averaging £3.2m per year from providing emergency travel documents to UK citizens. These are designed to cover the costs of providing the service. Details by financial year are as follows:Financial YearIncome from Emergency Travel Documents  2013-2014£3,283,7232014-2015£3,613,1902015-2016£3,098,5712016-2017£3,082,4062017-2018£3,019,3702018-2019 (to 31/08)£1,223,115

Yemen: War Crimes

Sir Vince Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the Government's position is on the view of the UN Human Rights Council Group of Eminent Experts that individuals in the Government and the coalition, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, may have conducted attacks in violation of the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution that may amount to war crimes.

Alistair Burt: ​The recent report from the Group of Eminent Experts further underlines the deeply concerning human rights situation in Yemen and the importance of reaching a political solution to this conflict. We are carefully considering the contents of the report ahead of the upcoming session of the UN Human Rights Council.As we have consistently done we will continue to emphasise to all parties the vital importance of compliance with international humanitarian law, press for action to address the humanitarian crisis, and encourage all parties to engage in the UN-led political process in good faith.

Election Observers: Finance

Mr Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, which international election observation missions his Department provided financial support for the participation of UK observers in each year since 2010; how much such finance his Department provided in each such year; which international election observation missions his Department plans to provide financial support for the participation of UK observers in 2018-19; how much such finance his Department has committed for 2018-19; whether there have been any changes to his Department's policy for supporting and funding such missions in 2018-19; and whether his Department plans to make any such changes for future financial years.

Mark Field: The budget for election observation missions (EOMs) is devolved to each Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) geographical department, so figures are not held centrally. This year the UK has sent observers to the OSCE EOMs in Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Montenegro, and will be sending observers to the EOMs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia and Moldova. We shall assess which OSCE EOMs the UK will send observers to in 2019 once we have confirmation from the OSCE of the elections they plan to observe.In addition, the UK funds observers to EU EOMs through our delivery partner, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy. We have also granted the Commonwealth Secretariat £1.8m for their work across the Commonwealth on EOMs.There has been no change in policy on the UK's commitment to supporting election observation missions. It will not be possible to fund observers for every mission. We focus our contributions where they can have most practical impact, whether through EOMs or other democracy initiatives, such as those detailed in the 2017 FCO Human Rights Report.

Korea: Peace Negotiations

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to his (a) US, (b) South Korean and (c) North Korean counterparts on peace and stability in the Korean peninsula.

Mark Field: ​The Foreign Secretary regularly speaks to his counterparts in the United States and South Korea (ROK) and continues to work with them in support of a diplomatic solution to the security threat posed by North Korea. On 22 August the Foreign Secretary held talks with US Secretary of State Pompeo in Washington. The Foreign Secretary hosted talks with ROK Foreign Minister Kang in London on 18 July.

Japan: Storms

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to his Japanese counterpart following Typhoon Jebi.

Mark Field: The British Government is deeply saddened by the death toll from Typhoon Jebi in the latest in a series of natural disasters to hit Japan this summer. I offered our condolences, and confirmed that the UK stands with Japan.Japan has a highly advanced set of emergency services to deal with natural disasters. The Japanese government has not requested assistance, but the UK stands ready to provide support to Japan as one of our closest partners. We remain in regular contact with the Japanese authorities through UK offices in Tokyo and Osaka including the provision of consular assistance.

China: Human Rights

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with Chinese counterpart on the human rights of ethnic minorities.

Mark Field: We remain concerned about the treatment of ethnic minorities in China - particularly in Tibet and Xinjiang.The Foreign Secretary raised our concerns about the situation in Xinjiang with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his visit to China in July 2018. I also raised our concerns about Xinjiang with Vice Minister Guo Yezhou during my visit to China on 22 July 2018.We also raised our concerns about Tibet and Xinjiang in the June 2018 UN Human Rights Council and at the last round of the UK/China Human Rights Dialogue in June 2017.

Nicaragua: Human Rights

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Nicaraguan counterpart on human rights in that country.

Sir Alan Duncan: The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned about reported human rights abuses in Nicaragua. The UK's Permanent Representative to the UN, Karen Pierce, reiterated our concerns and called for the renewal of political dialogue in her public statement at the UN Security Council on 5 September, where the Nicaraguan Foreign Minister was in attendance.

Venezuela: Refugees

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he had had with his Latin American counterparts on their response to Venezuelan refugees.

Sir Alan Duncan: ​We are deeply concerned by this crisis, which is self inflicted and has caused huge pressure on the region. I spoke on 6 September with the Peruvian Foreign Minister, Nestor Popolizio, to discuss the situation, to receive an update on the recent Andean Community (Peru, Colombia and Ecuador) meeting in Lima, and on the Ecuador-convened "regional technical meeting" on Venezuela that took place in Quito on 3-4 September to discuss the migration crisis. The Foreign Secretary also discussed the crisis with the Colombian Foreign Minister in New York on 24 August.

Rohingya: Repatriation

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant the oral answer to the hon Member for Liverpool, West Derby on 4 September 2018, Official Report, column 5, what steps his Department are taking to enable the safe return of the Rohingya to their home.

Mark Field: ​The UK is pressing the Burmese and Bangladeshi governments to work together to create the conditions for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of the Rohingya to Burma. The Foreign Secretary intends to visit Burma and convene a meeting at the UN General Assembly to galvanise international support for this process. In their conversation on 17 August, I called on Burma's Minister for International Cooperation to ensure that UNDP and UNHCR representatives are given unfettered access to northern Rakhine – a key element of the agreement reached by Burma and the UN in June.

North Korea: Christianity

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to help tackle the persecution of Christians in North Korea.

Mark Field: We continue to urge the DPRK to uphold its human rights obligations and engage substantively with the international community on freedom of religion in North Korea. We work with partners in international fora, such as the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council, to highlight this and other human rights concerns. We raise our concerns directly with the North Korean Embassy in London and through our Embassy in Pyongyang. We also regularly engage with NGOs on human rights issues in the DPRK.

Northern Ireland Office

Incinerators: Northern Ireland

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether he has made an assessment of the implications for the (a) government of Northern Ireland and (b) role of the Northern Ireland civil service of the recent court ruling against the granting of planning permission for the Arc21 incinerator; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Shailesh Vara: Following the decision of the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal, the UK Government recognises that there is a need to provide reassurance and clarity on the mechanisms for the continued delivery of public services and good governance in Northern Ireland. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland’s statement to the House of 6 September set out our clear plan to introduce legislation that will include provisions to enable Northern Ireland departments to continue to take decisions in Northern Ireland and to ensure the continued delivery of public services.

Northern Ireland Office: Public Appointments

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether her Department holds information on the socio-economic background of people appointed to senior positions in her Department in the last five years.

Mr Shailesh Vara: The Northern Ireland Office holds general diversity data for people appointed to senior positions. Information on socio-economic background is not held by the Department.

Foreign Investment in UK: Northern Ireland

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps she is taking to ensure that foreign investment in Northern Ireland continues.

Mr Shailesh Vara: Northern Ireland has proven itself to be a top destination for foreign direct investment, with over 900 international companies investing in Northern Ireland. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I regularly champion new investment announcements in Northern Ireland, which show that Northern Ireland continues to be a great place to invest and do business, and the Secretary of State was present at the announcement by PA Consulting that they will be creating 400 new jobs in Belfast over the next five years. We are working to restore a stable, devolved government which can work with the UK Government to maximise Northern Ireland’s attractiveness to overseas investors.

Anniversaries: Northern Ireland

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether her Department plans to commemorate in 2021 the centenary of the creation of Northern Ireland.

Mr Shailesh Vara: The Northern Ireland Office is involved in the planning of Decade of Centenaries commemorations in Northern Ireland, but does not yet have plans to commemorate the centenary of the creation of Northern Ireland in 2021. The Secretary of State and I will continue to work with all the NI parties, and with the Irish Government as appropriate, to remove the barriers to restoring the Executive and a fully functioning Assembly, leading to restored local planning and decision-making on issues such as the commemoration of this centenary.

Department of Health and Social Care

Members: Correspondence

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the performance of the Members Correspondence Unit in his Department.

Caroline Dinenage: The Department’s Ministerial Correspondence and Public Enquiries (MCPE) unit was set up to handle centrally the large volumes of correspondence received by the Department. All lines used to respond to correspondence are provided by the Department’s policy teams and MCPE has daily contact with ministers’ private offices. The latest available performance information was published on 26 June in the Cabinet Office’s Written Ministerial Statement on Handling Members’ Correspondence in 2017 (HCWS798). The Department answered over 32,000 items of correspondence, of which 93% were answered within the Department’s Whitehall Standard target of 18 working days.

Obesity

Eleanor Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will develop a national obesity strategy for adults and children.

Steve Brine: There are no current plans to develop a national obesity strategy for adults and children. Many of the key measures in both chapters of our childhood obesity plan will have an impact on tackling obesity across all age groups. These include the soft drinks industry levy, sugar reduction and wider calorie reformulation programme, restricting promotions and calorie labelling in restaurants which will improve our eating habits and reduce the amount of sugar we consume.

Prescriptions: Fees and Charges

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that the prescription charge is affordable for people on low incomes who pay those charges.

Steve Brine: Arrangements are in place to ensure that prescriptions are affordable for everyone. There are exemptions from the prescription charge for people with low income, including through receipt of specific benefits and through application to the NHS Low Income Scheme. The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) have developed an online tool to help patients find out what help with health costs they may be able to get and where to apply for it. For those who do not qualify for exemption, prescription prepayment certificates are also available, which allow people to claim as many prescriptions as they need for a set cost. To support those with high levels of need, the cost of the 12-month and 3-month certificates have been frozen since 2009 and 2011, respectively.

Prescriptions: Fees and Charges

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the quantum of change is for the prescription charge in each of the last five years.

Steve Brine: The following table shows the change in prescription charges since 2014/15. 2014/152015/162016/172017/182018/19Prescription charge per item dispensed£8.05£8.20£8.40£8.60£8.80Increase in prescription charge20p15p20p20p20pReal increase in prescription charge (%)1.11.20.20.50.8 The cost of a 3-month Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) has been frozen since 2011/12 and the 12-month PPC has been frozen since 2009/10.

Diabetes

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what guidance his Department issues to help people better understand their diabetes.

Steve Brine: 'Healthier You: The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme' started in 2016 and currently covers three quarters of the population of England. At the end of May 2018, nearly 215,000 people had been referred into the service, with over 95,000 taking up the offer of a programme.By 2020, the programme will support 100,000 people at risk of diabetes each year across England. Those referred will get tailored, personalised help to reduce their risk including education on healthy eating and lifestyle and bespoke physical exercise programmes.NHS England has invested £10.5 million transformation funding in 2018/19 (and a similar amount in 2017/18) to provide approximately 96,000 additional structured education places in 137 clinical commissioning groups.

Cancer: Screening

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to increase early screening for cancer diagnosis.

Steve Brine: NHS England is responsible for commissioning cancer screening services to meet programme standards including coverage. NHS England is working with providers to help identify and address any issues and is committed to improving coverage and reducing mortality from cancer. Each cancer screening specification requires providers to work with local authorities and other stakeholders to address inequalities in uptake.In May 2018 Public Health England (PHE) published a PHE Screening inequalities strategy: ‘Supporting the health system to reduce inequalities in screening’, available to view at the following link:https://phescreening.blog.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/152/2018/03/Supporting-the-health-system-to-reduce-inequalities-in-screening.pdfPHE is also commissioning a systematic review of the evidence. This will expand and update on the rapid review of interventions to improve participation in cancer screening services. The work will provide a clear picture of what does and does not work to increase participation among vulnerable groups and groups with protected characteristics.

Home Care Services: Drugs

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an assessment of the implications of allowing home care assistants to administer controlled drugs without supervision; and if he will make a statement.

Caroline Dinenage: The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 sets out the circumstances in which individuals, including home care assistants may administer drugs.Managers of residential and domiciliary care providers have a responsibility to ensure the proper and safe use of medicines, and that staff responsible for the management and administration of medication are suitably trained and competent. Furthermore, the Care Quality Commission expects all adult social care providers to induct staff in line with the standards set out in the Care Certificate. As a minimum, new workers must be able to:- describe the agreed ways of working in relation to medication;- describe the agreed ways of working in relation to healthcare tasks; and- list the tasks relating to medication and healthcare procedures that they are not allowed to carry out until they are competent.

Prescriptions: Fees and Charges

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of patients pay the full price for their prescription medicine.

Steve Brine: National Health Service patients pay a fixed charge for each prescription item dispensed in primary care, unless they are exempt from prescription charges. Prescription prepayment certificates allow people who need regular NHS prescriptions to cap the cost by paying a fixed amount for an unlimited number of items. We estimate that on average 90% of NHS prescriptions are dispensed free of charge. Data is not available on what patients pay for private prescriptions.

Prescriptions: Fees and Charges

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the cost to the public purse was of a)  subsidising prescriptions for people who do not pay the fixed rate for prescriptions, and b) paying the difference between cost of prescription medicines and the fixed rates paid for them by people who are not entitled to help with the cost of prescriptions, over the last twelve months for which data is available.

Steve Brine: The following table shows the net ingredient cost (NIC) of drugs for both patients who pay a prescription charge and patients who are exempt from prescription charges, including those with a valid prescription prepayment certificate (PPC). Drug cost split by prescription charge status (April 2017 - March 2018) Total net ingredient cost (£ million)Prescribing identified as attracting a prescription charge503.1Prescribing identified as exempt from prescription charges (including PPC exemption)8,526.2 The following table shows the NIC and the revenue collected for all prescriptions where the patient has made some form of payment in terms of either a prescription charge at the point of dispensing or via a PPC.   Drug cost for prescribing associated with some form of customer payment and revenue collected from prescription charges and PPCs (April 2017 - March 2018) Total net ingredient cost (£ million)Revenue collected for prescription charges (£ million)Revenue collected for PPCs (£ million)Total drug costs minus revenue collected (£ million)Prescribing identified as attracting a prescription charge503.1470.5n/a400.0Prescribing identified as exempt from prescription charges based on a PPC exemption516.8n/a149.4  Note: The National Health Service prescription charge was £8.60 for each prescribed item for the time period financial year 2017/18

Aortic Aneurysm

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the (a) prevalence of non-authorised, physician-modified products in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms and (b) effect of those products on such aneurysms.

Steve Brine: The Department does not centrally hold the requested data in relation to the prevalence of physician-modified products used in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Any device used in the National Health Service must have a CE mark and suppliers must meet the standard set by the procurement framework. NHS England has advised that “physician-modified” devices usually refer to stent grafts that have windows or extra windows (fenestrations) cut into them by a surgeon or radiologist. They are usually used in an emergency setting in critically ill patients in order to produce an endovascular solution to save life where no alternative treatment is deemed possible or feasible. NHS England has advised that the number of cases is very small and confined to a few specialised centres. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent body responsible for developing authoritative, evidence-based guidance for the NHS, and has been asked to develop a guideline on the diagnosis and management of AAAs. NICE’s guidance is based on a thorough assessment of the available evidence and is developed through extensive engagement with stakeholders. NICE has not yet published its final guideline on AAA and has recently consulted publicly on its draft guideline. NICE has advised that its draft guideline makes no reference to “non-authorised” products. NICE is considering the comments received during the consultation period and expects to publish its final recommendations to the NHS in November 2018.

Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme

Liz Twist: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that the next Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme sets an ambitious framework for delivering quick patient access to new and clinically-effective medicines.

Liz Twist: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking in the pharmaceutical price regulation scheme negotiations to ensure that modern cancer therapies are categorised as cost-effective.

Steve Brine: The Government is committed to supporting the United Kingdom life sciences industry and ensuring that patients can access cost-effective innovative medicines and technologies, including cost-effective cancer medicines, at a price the National Health Service can afford. We have been listening to industry feedback and discussing how the medicines market is likely to evolve over the next five years. These discussions have now moved into a more formal phase and are commercially sensitive. The Government will update Parliament if and when agreement is reached.

European Food Safety Authority

Sue Hayman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to maintain the responsibilities and functions in the UK of the European Food Safety Authority (a) when the UK leaves the EU and (b) in the event of the UK leaving the EU in 2019 without an agreement.

Steve Brine: United Kingdom Government Departments are currently working together to understand the impacts that withdrawal from the European Union will have on our relationship with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other EU agencies. A range of options are being considered for the future of risk assessment and scientific advice in the UK. The UK has a long tradition of close scientific collaboration with EFSA which we greatly value and hope to continue in the future. The nature of the UK’s future relationship with EFSA will be subject to forthcoming negotiations and we are exploring opportunities to redefine a close working relationship with EFSA. In the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal, government contingency planning includes developing UK alternatives to some of the functions currently provided by EFSA, building on existing scientific advisory and risk assessment capability.

Food: Safety

Sue Hayman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to provide continuity of public and animal health protection through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (a) when the UK leaves the EU and (b) in the event of the UK leaving the EU in 2019 without agreement.

Steve Brine: Leaving the European Union does not change our top priority which is to ensure that United Kingdom food remains safe and what it says it is. The UK aims to negotiate full access to the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) network. The UK is an active member of the RASFF network, regularly providing essential updates to member states. The Government is planning for a range of possible outcomes, including the UK leaving the EU in 2019 without agreement, to ensure the current high standards of food and feed in the UK are maintained; we believe it would be mutually beneficial for the EU and UK to continue this vital data-sharing on food safety.

Orkambi

Mr Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Adjournment debate of 17 July 2018 on Access to Orkambi, Official Report, columns 377-386, if he will take steps to keep hon. Members updated over the summer recess in the event that any progress is made between Vertex and NHS England on making the drug Orkambi available on the NHS for people with Cystic Fibrosis.

Steve Brine: As was made clear in the Debate on 17 July 2018, Official Report, columns 377-386 Ministers are watching this issue very closely. However, it is vital that we go through the right process. It is the responsibility of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and NHS England, to work together with Vertex to secure the best outcome for patients and a price for Orkambi that is fair and responsible. NHS England and Vertex are therefore responsible for communicating any further information on progress. It is an important principle that the National Health Service must ensure that healthcare services secure the best value for patients, and that is the approach NHS England is rightly taking. It is disappointing that Vertex has chosen to withdraw from NICE’s technology appraisal of its latest cystic fibrosis medicine, Symkevi, and NICE and NHS England wrote to Vertex on 31 August to signal their continued willingness to meet with Vertex to discuss access to its new cystic fibrosis medicines.

Cancer: Medical Treatments

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department plans to take to reduce the time taken for GP referrals of patients for cancer treatment.

Steve Brine: General practitioners are highly skilled healthcare professionals, with the knowledge, training and expertise to treat patients and their presenting conditions. They are required to follow the latest best practice guidance issued by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence, as well as making appropriate and timely referrals for diagnostics and/or secondary and tertiary care. Improving early diagnosis of cancer is a priority for NHS England. Cancer Alliances have been established across the country to act as leaders across their locality to drive transformation and have clear oversight over the whole patient pathway. In December 2016, NHS England announced that £200 million would be made available to Cancer Alliances over two years (2017/18 and 2018/19) to support transformation in early diagnosis and support for people living with a cancer diagnosis.

Breast Cancer

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the levels of care and support available for women with breast cancer in (a) the West Midlands and (b) England.

Steve Brine: Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group, advises that breast cancer patients in Birmingham have support from a clinical nurse specialist and have a health needs assessment, which can refer patients for services including prosthesis fitting, wig referral, psychology service and lymphoedema service. In addition, there are several third sector organisations that provide a range of support to breast cancer patients across the area. NHS England is committed to transforming cancer care across England for all cancers, including breast cancer, aiming to reduce inequality and promoting equity of access to services. To support this ambition, NHS England has committed more than £200 million in 2017/18 and 2018/19 to fund Cancer Alliances to accelerate early diagnosis of cancer, improve survival and enhance quality of life. In February 2018, in partnership with the Department and NHS England, Public Health England (PHE) launched a Be Clear on Cancer Campaign focused on breast cancer in women aged over 70 to raise awareness of specific symptoms and encourage those with symptoms to visit their doctor. To improve the uptake of screening, NHS England is continuing to invest in initiatives to help ensure equality of access, including through locally targeted interventions. These include text and general practitioner reminders and PHE’s new ‘Breast screening: easy guide’, which helps women decide whether screening is right for them. NHS England agreed a Commercial Access Agreement with Roche for Kadcyla (trastuzumab emtansine) which brought the confidential purchase price below the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence cost-effectiveness threshold, allowing approval in routine commissioning. This is offering breast cancer patients precious quality time with their families without damaging side effects. Finally, we are committed to rolling out stratified follow-up pathways for breast cancer patients by 2020, to ensure patients get the right care after treatment, including information and support to spot signs and symptoms of recurrence or secondary cancer. As well as providing a better experience for patients and ensuring they have the information they need, stratified pathways can offer more effective use of resources by freeing up outpatient capacity. They can also ensure that in cases where there is recurrence or secondary cancer, patients are supported to return to care quickly and effectively.

Defibrillators

Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent steps his Department has taken to increase the number of defibrillators available in public places.

Stephen Barclay: Since the Department’s Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes Strategy was published in 2013, which highlighted the lives that could be saved by better cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and availability of Public Access Defibrillators (PAD), the Community Resuscitation Steering Group chaired by NHS England has highlighted various issues and taken steps to try to improve them. These include:- in order to further support the National Health Service and local communities, the Government provided £2 million to make PADs more widely available and to increase the number of people trained in CPR. The Government provided £1 million in the 2015 Budget to increase the availability and accessibility of PADs and numbers trained in CPR; this led to 700 more PADs in communities across England; and- in the March 2016 Budget, a further £1 million was made available to make PADs and CPR more widely available in communities across England. Beyond the recent central funding initiatives, since the end of the Department’s National Defibrillator Programme in 2007 PADs are also funded privately or by charities. Local ambulance trusts are thought to be best placed to know what is needed in their local area, and often offer advice to charities and the public on the operation and placement of PADs. The Government recognises that better provision of defibrillators and increasing the number of people trained in CPR could help save more lives of those who have a cardiac arrest outside a hospital setting. We therefore encourage organisations to consider purchasing a defibrillator as part of their first-aid equipment, particularly for places where there are high concentrations of people.

Human Papillomavirus: Vaccination

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with appropriate officials in Northern Ireland on extending access to the HPV vaccination to that part of the UK.

Steve Brine: Health is a devolved matter and therefore any decision regarding this programme has to be taken by a Northern Ireland Health Minister. The four United Kingdom Health Departments are in regular contact on a range of issues including this programme. They will continue to discuss and share information while a decision is pending in Northern Ireland.

Cancer: Children

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will meet members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Childhood Cancer to discuss its recent report.

Steve Brine: The Government welcomes the All Party Parliamentary Group’s recent report and I look forward to meeting with them in due course.

NHS: Foreign Nationals

Paul Girvan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many and what proportion of staff in the NHS are non-EU citizens.

Stephen Barclay: NHS Digital publishes Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS) workforce statistics. These include staff working in hospital trusts and clinical commissioning groups, but not staff working in primary care or in general practitioner surgeries, local authorities or other providers. The NHS Digital monthly HCHS workforce statistics show that: - In England, there are 79,982 non-European Union National Health Service staff, which is 6.6% of the total workforce as at 31 March 2018, headcount; and - In England, there are 73,281 NHS staff, which is 6.1% of the total workforce that have not disclosed their nationality in the NHS staff records as at 31 March 2018, headcount.

University Hospital Coventry

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the recent CQC inspection which established that University Hospital Coventry requires improvement, whether he plans to ensure that staff at that hospital receive an adequate level of mandatory training; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Barclay: It is for individual providers to take forward recommendations of an inspection by the Care Quality Commission, seeking support from the wider health system as appropriate.Mandatory training is defined by individual trusts as training that staff must undertake to perform their role.University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust has set itself a challenging target of 95% for ensuring staff have the correct training to ensure its patients are kept safe. Currently over 92% of permanent staff meet that target.

Accident and Emergency Departments: Coventry

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to support emergency departments in hospitals in Coventry that are experiencing a record number of unnecessary visits in the absence of GP appointments; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Barclay: The Government has committed to ensuring everyone across the country has easier and more convenient access to general practice services, including appointments in the evenings and weekends. The latest National Health Service planning guidance, issued by NHS England in February 2018, requires clinical commissioning groups to provide extended access to general practice to their whole population by 1 October 2018, to ensure additional capacity is in place ahead of winter 2018. The General Practice Forward View (GP Forward View), published in April 2016, commits increasing investment in General Practice by £2.4 billion a year by 2020/2021 from £9.7 billion in 2015/16 to over £12 billion by 2020/21 – a 14% real-terms increase. It will improve patient care and access, and invest in new ways of providing primary care. In addition, the number of doctors entering speciality training has been increasing year on year. In 2017/18, there were 3,157 new starters recruited to speciality GP training posts, the highest number recruited ever. In August 2017 NHS England announced plans to accelerate its international recruitment programme and recruit 2,000 doctors into English general practice over the following three years. To boost retention there is a broad offer available to support GPs to remain in the NHS including the GP Health Service, the GP Retention Scheme, and the recently launched a £10 million GP Retention Fund which includes funds targeted at specific areas. University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust have been closely supported by NHS Improvement’s Intensive Support Team for the last 12 months and are actively working through recommendations to improve emergency care. NHS Improvement has recently offered £347,000 to support transformation work around urgent and emergency care in Coventry; funds will be distributed to areas with the greatest scope for patient care improvements. Hospitals in Coventry are also supported by national services, such as NHS 111, which offers a 24/7 service available across England for patients who require non-urgent advice which can include input from a range of clinical professionals where appropriate.

NHS: Pensions

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the timeframe is for the processing time for applications to NHS Pensions by NHS employees to revert to 30 calendar days.

Stephen Barclay: The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) is addressing current performance issues. Issues were caused by a change in procedure which led to increased processing times. The NHSBSA has now reverted back to their old system and processing has sped up, although a backlog remains. Around a quarter of cases are being processed on time and around half of cases are processed on time or within 20 working days. The NHSBSA is taking all measures to restore performance to acceptable levels.

Self-harm: Mental Health Services

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many and what proportion of people that attended A&E for self-harm received a psychosocial assessment in accordance with NICE guidelines in (a) 2016-17 and (b) 2017-18.

Jackie Doyle-Price: The information requested is not centrally held. NHS England is continuing work to ensure that every person who presents at an accident and emergency (A&E) department for self-harm receives a psychosocial assessment. The Government is investing £247 million to roll out liaison mental health teams in A&E departments by 2020 to ensure that people who present at hospital with mental health problems get the appropriate care and treatment they need. Liaison mental health teams are well placed to deal with presentations for self-harm and ensure that people receive a psychosocial assessment of their mental health needs to prevent further self-harming.

Maternity Services

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the average post-partum hospital stay was in each of the last 10 years.

Jackie Doyle-Price: Where data is available regarding the mean duration of post-natal stays in English National Health Service hospitals, statistics are shown in the following table for the years 2007/08 – 2016/17: YearTotal deliveries (excluding unknown postnatal length of stay)Mean postnatal duration (days)2007-08427,1551.82008-09535,9001.82009-10578,3401.72010-11591,2091.72011-12577,1431.62012-13563,9331.62013-14539,5191.62014-15550,1621.72015-16553,7951.72016-17545,6391.6Source: Hospital Episode Statistics, NHS Digital

European Food Safety Authority

Sue Hayman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to maintain the responsibilities and functions of the European Food Safety Authority when the UK leaves the EU (a) with and (b) without a deal.

Steve Brine: We firmly believe it is in the interests of both the European Union and the United Kingdom to strike a deal. That remains the goal on both sides and we are confident that this will be achieved. As is the job of a responsible Government, we have already carried out very significant no deal preparations and will be setting out further details on food safety shortly so that business and citizens have time to prepare. The UK’s priority is to maintain our high standards of food and feed safety.

Royal Liverpool Hospital

Dame Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the timetable is for a new contractor to be appointed to complete the new Royal Liverpool University Hospital following the liquidation of Carillion.

Stephen Barclay: The Government remains absolutely committed to getting the new Royal Liverpool Hospital built as quickly as possible and officials are working closely with the existing lenders and the Trust to achieve this. There is a key milestone on 30 September, the longstop date set in the existing Private Finance Initiative contact for the completed hospital to be handed over to the Trust. This milestone is not now going to be met. Once this date has passed the Trust has the option of declaring that the project is in default, which would be followed by the contract being terminated. The Government has indicated to the Trust that it will support them in whatever next steps they need to take, be it termination or some other option, to ensure the project is not delayed further. The timetable for opening the hospital will be an important factor in deciding on the best route forward and we are working towards achieving a decision on this by the end of September. To date, significant concerns have been identified with work carried out by Carillion, and the investigation of this has resulted in delays.

Asbestos: Drinking Water

Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the latest advice is that he has received from Public Health England on the risks of ingesting asbestos from drinking water which has been pumped through asbestos pipes.

Steve Brine: Public Health England’s advice is in line with that of the World Health Organization Guidelines on drinking water quality that there is no convincing or consistent evidence that ingested asbestos from asbestos cement drinking water pipes provides a risk to public health.

Drugs

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what guidance his Department received when determining the length of time medicines will need to be stockpiled in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal; if he will publish that guidance.

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of the NHS stockpiling medicines for six weeks in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal; and whether that cost will be borne from existing Department of Health budgets.

Stephen Barclay: As we set out in the Department’s letter to the pharmaceutical industry on 23 August, in the unlikely event we leave the European Union without a deal in March 2019, based on the current cross-Government planning scenario, we will ensure the United Kingdom has an additional six weeks supply of medicines in case imports from the EU through certain routes are affected. This is the current planning assumption but will of course be subject to revision in light of future developments. The Government has not asked the NHS to stockpile medicines. It has asked industry to make preparations for doing so.

Drugs: Misuse

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the annual cost to the NHS of drug addiction; and if his Department will publish an estimate of those annual costs in each financial year since 2010-11.

Steve Brine: The costs of drug addiction are difficult to estimate due to the range of impacts. The latest estimates by the Home Office, in the 2017 Drug Strategy, suggest that in the United Kingdom society bears an estimated £10.7 billion of drug-related costs in terms of crime, healthcare and law enforcement. There are no plans to publish estimates of the annual costs to the National Health Service of drug addiction.

NHS: Standards

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to (a) share and (b) enforce best practice across the NHS.

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many hospital and community NHS trusts are rated as outstanding by the Care Quality Commission.

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the reasons for the variation in the quality of NHS services.

Caroline Dinenage: Unwarranted variation in care can be due to a range of factors – it can be caused by cultural, clinical, and patient factors, and the specific causes will differ between specialisms, locations and care settings.Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) is a national programme designed to improve medical care within the National Health Service by reducing unwarranted variations. By tackling variations in the way services are delivered across the NHS, and by sharing best practice between trusts, GIRFT identifies changes that will help improve care and patient outcomes, as well as delivering efficiencies such as the reduction of unnecessary procedures and cost savings.The GIRFT programme provides trusts with detailed data and information to allow organisations to understand any unwarranted variation in the care they provide, and guidance on how to improve their care in line with their peers. Further information is available at the following link:http://gettingitrightfirsttime.co.uk/In addition, NHS Improvement produces a variety of resources designed at improving quality, and runs events for NHS staff where best practice is shared. Where a trust is under-performing, NHS Improvement can take regulatory action and put it into financial special measures or quality special measures.The latest figures from the Care Quality Commission show that 13 acute NHS hospital trusts (specialist and non-specialist), and one community health NHS trust, are rated as outstanding (figures correct as at 3 September 2018).

Mental Health Services: Hospital Beds

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent estimate he has made of the number of mental health beds per 100,000 people in England; and what information his Department holds on the number of mental health beds per 100,000 people in each country in the EU.

Jackie Doyle-Price: The NHS England collection KH03 collects the number of available and occupied beds open overnight that are under the care of consultants. In Q1 2018-19, there was an average of 18,394 consultant-led mental health beds available in England. This represents 33.3 of this specific type of bed per 100,000 people in England.Source: Quarterly KH03 beds return, NHS England https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/bed-availability-and-occupancy/bed-data-overnight/People with mental health conditions are increasingly being cared for by a wider range of health professionals, in multi-disciplinary teams, in different settings. We are investing in new models of care focusing on early intervention and prevention which will ultimately reduce the need for inpatient beds and ensure that people receive treatment in the most appropriate place. There is no data available for the total number of acute mental health beds in the National Health Service in England.Figures for other European Union countries are not available.

Mental Health Services: Staff

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many Approved Mental Health Professionals have been employed in the public sector in each year since 2010.

Jackie Doyle-Price: There are no official statistics for the number of approved mental health professionals (AMHPs).We are working with Skills for Care to develop a collection process to provide returns on the number of AMHPs.

Mental Health Services

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many and what proportion of people referred to consultant-led mental health treatment were seen within 18 weeks.

Jackie Doyle-Price: There is no centrally held information on waiting times for consultant-led mental health treatment. The Referral to Treatment (RTT) 18 week waiting time standard does apply for mental health, but only when:- a referral is made to a medical consultant-led mental health service, regardless of setting; or- a general practitioner (or other referrer) makes their intention to refer to a medical consultant (e.g. a consultant psychiatrist) known, even though they may refer through a mental health interface service.Mental health treatment is often not consultant-led, so much mental health activity will be outside the scope of consultant-led waiting times. It is not possible to derive waiting times for consultant-led mental health treatment from the data that we do collect on the RTT standard.

Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussion he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the funding of treatment for alcohol addiction services in (a) West Midlands and (b) Coventry.

Steve Brine: No discussions have taken place between the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this issue.

Mental Health Services: Children

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to reduce the number of children requiring treatment for urgent mental health conditions at A&E in (a) the West Midlands and (b) Coventry; and if he will make a statement.

Jackie Doyle-Price: NHS England is working with local clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and providers in Coventry and the wider West Midlands to improve services and reduce waiting times, looking at how the New Care Models, set out in the Five Year Forward View for Mental Health can bring benefits for the local population. Coventry and Rugby CCG is working to reduce the number of children requiring treatment for urgent mental health conditions at University Hospital Coventry. The CCG has commissioned an Acute Liaison Team that works to undertake an assessment within a maximum of 48 hours when young people present with self-harm or mental health crises. The CCG is engaging with partner agencies to review pathways across agencies for children in crisis and to commission more preventative services. The Government is committed to transforming children and young people’s mental health services, making available an additional £1.4 billion for mental health services for children and young people by 2019/20. Improving provision of children and young people’s urgent and emergency mental health care is a priority for NHS England as part of this wider transformation of mental health support. In addition, the proposals contained in Transforming children and young people’s mental health provision: a green paper will be supported by an additional £300 million over the next three years. Refreshing NHS Plans for 2018/19 published by NHS England and NHS Improvement requires the National Health Service to continue to work towards the 2020/21 ambition of all acute hospitals having mental health crisis and liaison services that can meet the specific needs of people of all ages, including children and young people.

Health Services: Weather

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the (a) number of patients the NHS saw in summer 2018 because of heat-related illnesses and (b) total cost to the NHS of the extreme weather in summer 2018.

Steve Brine: Information on the number of patients treated by the National Health Service for heat related illnesses is not collected in the format requested. Public Health England publishes weekly surveillance data highlighting the number of patients visiting general practitioners, emergency departments and contacting NHS 111 during 2018. This is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/syndromic-surveillance-weekly-summaries-for-2018Information on the total cost to the NHS of the extreme weather in summer 2018 is not held centrally.

Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will estimate the annual cost to the NHS of alcohol addiction in each year since 2010-11.

Steve Brine: The costs to the National Health Service in England associated with alcohol misuse have been estimated at £3.5 billion each year in 2009/10 prices. The Government has not updated this assessment.

Allergies: Medical Treatments

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the number of days supply of epipen available to the NHS.

Steve Brine: Departmental officials are in regular contact with Mylan, the United Kingdom licensed supplier of Epipens, as there have been ongoing supply issues affecting this product. Supplies are currently available, although limited, and are being closely managed to ensure that pharmacies can obtain stock to fulfil prescription for patients.

Prescriptions: Fees and Charges

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many prescription fines were issued in each of the last five years.

Steve Brine: The following table shows the number of penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued between September 2014 and July 2018.  YearTotal PCNs issued201435,8122015408,4782016864,36620171,052,4302018760,149Total3,121,235   Note: NHS Business Services Authority assumed responsibility for the Prescription Exemption Checking Service in September 2014, so no data is held prior to this.

NHS: Disclosure of Information

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to improve data access and sharing arrangements between the Health and Social Care Information Centre and NHS England.

Jackie Doyle-Price: NHS England and NHS Digital (formerly the Health and Social Care Information Centre) work together to ensure the data required to operate the National Health Service is collected and made available where required. NHS Digital shares data for secondary purposes with customers through its Data Access Request Service (DARS) and NHS England applies for data from NHS Digital through this service. NHS Digital continues to deliver a significant programme of work to further improve the efficiency of this service and this includes: - Delivering a more streamlined approvals process;- Implementing revised governance in line with the Data Protection Act 2018;- Increasing the number of datasets available through DARS; and- Making datasets available through a new secure on-line service.

NHS Leadership Academy

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what courses are run by the NHS Leadership Academy.

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what funding his Department allocates to the NHS Leadership Academy.

Stephen Barclay: The NHS Leadership Academy is hosted by Health Education England and currently offer national leadership development programmes aimed at all levels of leadership and disciplines including:- Aspiring Chief Executive – A fully resourced, strategic response to the challenge of how we identify, develop and deploy our most senior leaders;- Aspiring Director of Nursing – Aimed at experienced deputy directors of nursing or nurses/midwives in comparable positions to develop them to become executive nurses;- Chief Executive Development Network – A membership network aimed at supporting chief executives with development to face challenging roles;- Chief Pharmacist programme – A 12-month programme aimed at pharmacists;- Clinical Executive Fast Track – A multi-professional 36-month talent scheme designed to develop clinicians as leaders;- Edward Jenner – Programme to support leadership skills to help the workforce better care for patients, lead services and provide leadership. Designed for newly qualified nursing and clinical staff and leaders at the beginning of their career;- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson – Aimed at mid/senior-level leaders from both clinical and non-clinical backgrounds who are aspiring to take on more senior roles. This part-residential programme brings together healthcare, business and academic experts;- Future Clinical Commissioning Leaders – Nine-month programme aimed at clinicians working or hoping to work in commissioning;- Ethical Mentoring – Programme to support the delivery of mentoring in a timely, relevant and impactful fashion and aimed at all levels of staff;- Graduate Management Training Scheme – Aimed at graduates with high potential to develop leadership knowledge and capabilities to work in the National Health Service;- Health and Care Leaders Scheme – Comprises of the ‘Aspiring Director scheme’ and ‘2025 Leaders’ – for aspiring chief executives in arm’s length bodies and Director Generals in the Department. ‘2025 leaders’ aims to develop candidates in Director roles within their organisation. ‘Aspiring Directors’ is aimed at staff of band 8c, 9d, 9 (or equivalent);- Hope European Exchange – Exchange programme between hospitals in Europe for those with healthcare managerial responsibilities aimed at managers or clinicians with three years’ management experience;- Mary Seacole - Six-month leadership development programme designed for first time leaders in healthcare;- Nye Bevan – A 12-month programme aimed at senior leaders looking to move into board role;- Ready Now – Aimed at band 8a (or equivalent) aspiring black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) leaders to realise potential toward a board level position;- Return to Work Mentoring – Mentoring scheme aimed at leaders of all levels returning to work after an extend leave period;- Rosalind Franklin – A nine-month programme to shape the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours of clinical or non-clinical mid-level leaders; and- Stepping Up - Aimed at BAME leaders and aspiring BAME leaders across healthcare working in bands 5 to 7 (or equivalent). Designed to develop candidates’ skills and leadership abilities to create transformational change in equality and diversity across healthcare.  The Leadership Academy’s budget for 2018/19 is £47.8 million.

Health: Low Pay

Kate Hollern: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an assessment of the effect of the change in the public health grant on the health outcomes of lower income households in (a) Blackburn and (b) England.

Steve Brine: Public Health England (PHE) has not made an assessment of changes in the public health grant on the health outcomes of low income households in Blackburn or England. PHE does monitor a range of health outcomes at a national and local level through the Public Health Outcomes Framework. This framework includes monitoring health inequalities by measuring the difference in health outcomes between deprived and non-deprived areas. The Public Health Outcomes Framework can be found at the following link: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/public-health-outcomes-framework

Child Sexual Abuse Independent Panel Inquiry

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he plans to publish the Government's response to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse's report on Child Migrant Programmes, published on 1 March 2018.

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the oral contribution of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Mental Health and Inequalities of 3 July 2018, Official Report, column 105WH, for what reason his Department did not publish before the summer parliamentary recess a formal response to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse's report on Child Migrant Programmes, published on 1 March 2018.

Jackie Doyle-Price: We are currently carefully considering the findings and recommendations made in the Child Migration Programmes report by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) and will respond in due course. We are aware of the age and declining health of many former child migrants, and we are committed to providing a considered response to all of the Inquiry's recommendations. The Home Office leads on the Government's response to the IICSA Interim Report.

Meat: Fraud

Sir Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the prevalence of meat fraud whereby expensive meat is replaced with a cheaper product; and how many successful prosecutions there have been for such offences in the last 12 months.

Steve Brine: The Food Standard Agency’s (FSA's) understanding of meat species substitution is derived from sampling data submitted by local authorities to the United Kingdom Food Surveillance System. Whilst these data indicate the presence of substitution they are inconclusive as to the prevalence of this practice across the wider industry.The FSA collects data annually from local authorities regarding the number of prosecutions they have taken. We do not collect information on the specific details of the individual cases.

Health Professions: Training

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many students entered training as a (a) nurse, (b) midwife and (c) GP in each of the last five years.

Stephen Barclay: The following table shows the number of nursing and midwifery students entering training in England in each of the last five academic years for which data is available.  2012-132013-142014-152015-162016-17Nurses17,11517,56819,14719,95120,888Midwives2,5802,5402,5352,5802,602Source: Health Education England since 2013, Financial Information Management System prior to 2013 Data for nurses and midwives entering training is not yet available for 2017/18. The following table shows the total number of trainee doctors accepted onto general practice training programmes in England for the last five years.  2013-142014-152015-162016-172017-18General practitioners2,7672,6712,7693,0193,157Source: General Practice National Recruitment Office

Addictions: Health Services

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department collects data on the number of (a) addiction services and centres and (b) detox beds which have closed since 2010.

Steve Brine: Data on the number of addiction services and centres, and detox beds which have closed since 2010 are not collected centrally.

NHS: Repairs and Maintenance

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the funding required from the public purse to remove the backlog of maintenance work in the NHS in (a) 2015-16, (b) 2016-17, (c) 2017-18 and (d) the 2018-19 financial year.

Stephen Barclay: NHS Improvement collects data on backlog maintenance annually from National Health Service trusts through its Estates Returns Information Collection. The data collected has not been amended centrally and its accuracy always remains the responsibility of the contributing NHS organisations. It can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/559126/est-ret-info-col-2015-2016-Report.pdf The estimated cost required to eliminate backlog maintenance work in the NHS in the current financial year will be published in October 2018. The estimated cost required to eliminate backlog maintenance work in the NHS in the last three years is:  Total cost to eradicate backlog £ million2013-144,0422014-154,3382015-164,9752016-175,546 Backlog maintenance amounts and risks will change over time due to a number of reasons including the prioritisation of investment to reduce it, disposal of buildings with backlog maintenance, changes to estate and clinical standards, the aging of the estate and changes in the costs of capital work. The Autumn Budget announced £3.5 billion of new additional capital investment in the NHS in England by 2022-23, including £700 million to support turnaround plans in struggling trusts and tackle critical maintenance issues.

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many contracts the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has secured with the European Medicines Agency to carry out authorisation processes in each of the past five years.

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of the income of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency came from the European Medicines Agency in each of the past five years.

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many contracts the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency bid for to carry out authorisation processes for the European Medicines Agency in each of the past five years; and how many of those bids were successful.

Jackie Doyle-Price: The number of contracts secured by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in each of past five years is shown in the following table:Financial yearNumber of contracts2013/14352014/15272015/16352016/17412017/1811 The information included in the table is based on the EMA Committee on Human Medicinal Products (CHMP) rapporteurships allocated to the MHRA for assessment of new marketing authorisation applications.The proportion of the income of the MHRA that came from the EMA in each of the past five years is shown in the following table: Financial yearProportion of income2013/146%2014/156%2015/166%2016/179%2017/188% The source of the information is the MHRA’s Annual Report and Accounts for each of the past five years.The number of bids submitted by the MHRA to carry out authorisations processes for the EMA based on the number of bids for CHMP rapporteurship for new marketing authorisation applications and the number of rapporteurships awarded in the last three financial years is shown in the following table:Financial yearNumber of bids submittedNumber of rapporteurships awarded2015/1686352016/1787412017/186611 Metrics for bids submitted prior to this time have not been recorded.

Suicide

Paula Sherriff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress has been made since 2016 on the target of a 10% reduction in suicides by 2020-21.

Jackie Doyle-Price: The Government is committed to meeting the target in the Five Year Forward View for Mental Health to reduce suicides in England by 10% by 2020/21. In 2016, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published data on suicide registrations for 2015, which showed that there were 4,820 suicides in England and the suicide rate was 10.1 per 100,000 of the population.This month the ONS published data on suicide registrations for 2017, which showed there were 4,451 suicides in England and the suicide rate was 9.2 per 100,000 of the population. This is a decrease in the number of suicides between 2015 and 2017 of 7.7% and shows good progress against meeting the target of a 10% reduction.

Mental Health Services: Vacancies

Paula Sherriff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of trends in the level job vacancies in the mental health workforce.

Jackie Doyle-Price: It is not possible based on currently available data to make a robust assessment of trends in levels of job vacancies. There is currently no single definition of what is meant by a vacancy or how it is counted. For example, some may consider a vacancy to exist as soon as a trust is actively recruiting for an unfilled position, while others may count one whether the role is being actively recruited for or not. NHS Digital is actively working with NHS Improvement to develop a consistent approach to counting and reporting vacancy data. It is not currently possible to identify unfilled vacancies or chronically hard to fill posts. The most recent published management information data from NHS Improvement covers the fourth quarter of 2017/18 (to the end of March 2018) and by sector, it is split according to registered nursing and midwifery and medical staff. The data shows that at Q4 2017/18, there were 6,714 (10.5%) full time equivalent (FTE) nursing and midwifery vacancies in the mental health sector, 441 fewer than in Q1 2017/18. There were 1,309 FTE (13.15%) medical vacancies in the mental health sector, 52 more when compared to Q1 2017/18. Source: NHS Improvement

Mental Health Services: Staff

Paula Sherriff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what information he holds on the total number of qualified staff working in mental health services.

Jackie Doyle-Price: NHS Digital published an experimental set of statistics and analysis on the National Health Service mental health workforce measures and numbers in January 2018. These figures are updated quarterly, and the latest data, as at March 2018 shows that there are 95,712 full time equivalent professionally qualified clinical staff working in mental health. NHS Digital, the Department and Health Education England are working together to refine the definitions used to count those working in mental health.

Department for International Development

Developing Countries: Disability

Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking to support legislation in developing countries to help disabled people.

Harriett Baldwin: The Global Disability Summit on 24th July was a landmark moment for disability inclusion with over 170 sets of ambitious commitments from governments, the private sector, multilateral organisations and civil society. Nine national governments committed to passing or formulating new or revised laws to give people with disabilities greater rights. Progress will be monitored and a one-year on progress report produced.

Developing Countries: Politics and Government

Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking to support the promotion of democracy in developing countries.

Harriett Baldwin: Strengthening global peace, security and governance is one of the four pillars of the UK Aid Strategy. DFID champions democratic values at the international level. For example, the inclusion of a specific Goal 16 on inclusive, peaceful societies in the 2030 Agenda. We have scaled up our support to the Open Government Partnership’s global work and launched a new Transparency Agenda in 2018 promoting civic engagement in decision-making. And we have recently agreed a new centrally managed programme supporting the Westminster Foundation for Democracy to promote inclusive, democratic politics in a range of developing countries. DFID promotes democratic institutions and politics in many of our focus countries, alongside the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, through support to build effective parliaments, and political parties; and empower civil society to hold governments to account. Between 2010 and 2015 we supported freer and fairer elections in 13 countries in which 162 million people voted. DFID’s recently launched UK Aid Connect programme will promote an independent, free media in developing countries as a fundamental pillar of democracy.

Marine Environment: Plastics

Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking to assist countries with long coastlines such as Indonesia to tackle plastic pollution.

Harriett Baldwin: At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the Prime Minister called for international action and committed UKAid to tackle the problem of marine plastic pollution. As part of the wider Government effort, DFID is developing programmes of up to £33 million to improve waste management and reduce plastic pollution from manufacturing in poor countries. In addition, DFID and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs funds the Global Environment Facility, which is funding projects to address plastic pollution and improve marine management in Indonesia.

Developing Countries: Health Services

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps the Government is taking to support developing countries to achieve universal health coverage and develop programmes to prevent diseases such as pneumonia.

Alistair Burt: The UK supports countries to build the strong and resilient health systems needed to achieve universal health coverage. DFID provides technical assistance and financial support directly to countries, promotes the technical leadership of the World Health Organisation, and funds research and new products that increase access and reduce prices for essential quality medicines and other commodities. Through health partnerships, we share UK experience and expertise in providing UHC through the NHS. Stronger health systems are better able to address all causes of ill health, including pneumonia.

Developing Countries: Health Services

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if her Department will use its position at international fora such as the World Health Organisation to champion healthcare policies on universal health coverage.

Alistair Burt: Achieving universal health coverage (UHC) and Global Goal 3 is a UK priority. DFID and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), which leads on our relationship with the World Health Organisation (WHO), work closely to promote the steps to achieve UHC internationally. At the 2018 World Health Assembly, the previous Secretary of State for Health and Social Care stressed the importance of universal access to basic healthcare. We supported the WHO’s thirteenth General Programme of Work and its strong focus on UHC. We are promoting UHC through international forums such as the G7 and G20 to ensure greater collective action is agreed at the 2019 UN High-Level Meeting on UHC.

Department for International Development: Brexit

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what the total cost to the public purse for her Department’s work preparing for the UK to leave the EU has been since 23 June 2016.

Harriett Baldwin: HM Treasury has allocated over £2 billion of additional funding to departments and the Devolved Administrations for EU exit preparations so far. This breaks down as:£412m of additional funding over the spending review period for the Department for Exiting the European Union, Department for International Trade and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office at Autumn Statement 2016.£286m of additional funding for 17/18 (a full breakdown of which can be found in Supplementary Estimates 17/18). https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/679738/PU2137_Supplementary_estimates_web.pdf.Over £1.5bn of additional funding for 18/19. A full breakdown of which can be found in the Chief Secretary’s Written Ministerial Statement, HCWS540, laid on the 13th March.

Department for International Development: Brexit

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what estimate she has made of the cost to her Department of leaving the EU in accordance with (a) the proposals set out in the Government’s White Paper and (b) a no-deal scenario.

Harriett Baldwin: At the Autumn Budget 2017, the Chancellor set aside £1.5 billion of additional funding for EU Exit preparations in 2019/20. Departments will be invited to bid for 2019/20 EU Exit preparation funding later in the year. Details of timings and process will be announced in due course.

Developing Countries: Mental Health

Dr Dan Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking to improve mental health globally.

Alistair Burt: DFID is committed to taking a comprehensive approach to mental health. Through the Disability Rights Fund, we support organisations led by people with psychosocial disabilities to champion their rights. In Ghana, our Health Sector Support Programme has supported mental health systems strengthening and efforts to address underlying stigma and discrimination. And we are generating world-leading evidence around integrating effective mental health care services into primary care through PRIME - our Programme for Improving Mental Health Care. DFID will set out its future approach on global mental health in our upcoming Disability Framework, following the UK-hosted Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit this October.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Overseas Aid

Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking to help the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to achieving a good or very good rating for the transparency of its aid spending by 2020.

Alistair Burt: DFID has been providing support to all UK Government Departments that spend aid funds to achieve a good or very good rating in the Aid Transparency Index by 2020. This includes formal training days, policy advice, technical guidance and tailored advice.

Yemen: Ports

Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent steps her Department has taken to help increase the amount of food, medicine and fuel arriving at Hodeidah port.

Alistair Burt: The UK government is providing £1.3 million in funding to the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM) this financial year to facilitate commercial imports into Hodeidah and Saleef ports by giving the coalition confidence that weapons are not coming in on large commercial ships. We have also deployed UK maritime experts to Djibouti to help further boost the inspections process, increasing the proportion of physical inspections by more than ten-fold. The UK continues to urge all parties to the conflict to facilitate full and unhindered access for humanitarian and commercial supplies, such as food, medicine and fuel, through Hodeidah port. Hodeidah port currently remains open and we are closely monitoring imports through it. In August, Hodeidah accounted for 64% of total bulk food imports and 54% of total fuel imports into Yemen.

Department for International Development: Brexit

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what the cost to the public purse has been of her Department hiring additional staff to cover issues related to the UK leaving the EU.

Harriett Baldwin: EU Exit is an all-of-government operation. The Department for International Development is working in close collaboration with other government departments in preparation for the ongoing negotiations by understanding the risks and opportunities of leaving the EU and coordinating planning. Given the interactions between EU exit work and the Department’s other priorities, it would not be possible to give an accurate figure, but I would encourage you to consult our annual reports and accounts when they become available.

Bangladesh: Rohingya

Nick Thomas-Symonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps the Government is taking to support the Rohingya in Bangladesh in the current monsoon season.

Alistair Burt: In my recent visit to the region, I was able to see for myself the important preparation work our partners were carrying out for the upcoming rainy season.The UK is working with the Government of Bangladesh and humanitarian partners to improve monsoon preparedness. Around 450,000 people have benefited from support to make their shelters more resilient to heavy rain and high winds. Site improvements such as drainage, protecting pathways, and stabilising steps and bridges to enable access have been undertaken. UK aid is ensuring that 10,000 upgraded shelter kits, 90,000 tarpaulins and ropes, 100,000 blankets and 100,000 floor mats are accessible and can be immediately provided to those in need during the monsoon season. UK-supported cholera, measles and diphtheria vaccination campaigns have also been carried out in readiness.

Trade Agreements

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for International Trade on negotiations of new trade agreements to include policies to pursue the Sustainable Development Goals.

Harriett Baldwin: We are working with departments across Government to ensure development and global prosperity is at the heart of UK trade policy. We are working together to align our departments’ agendas and resources in developing economies, with the shared intention of boosting inclusive growth and unlocking opportunities for increased UK trade and investment. For example, the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Bill includes a commitment to provide tariff free, quota free access to the UK for Least Developed Countries, fulfilling a key element of Sustainable Development Goal 17.

Developing Countries: Overseas Trade

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment her Department has made of the potential for trade policies after the UK has left the EU to support communities in developing countries.

Harriett Baldwin: Trade is a key driver of economic growth. The UK is committed to ensuring developing countries can reduce poverty through trading opportunities. The Department for International Development and the Department for International Trade are working together to ensure development and global prosperity are at the heart of UK trade and investment policy. The evidence indicates that when countries have the right resources, trade can help bring wider benefits to the community, allowing them to lift themselves out of poverty and become our trading partners of the future.

Development Aid

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, how much and what proportion of Official Development Assistance (ODA) has been allocated to largest 20 recipients of ODA.

Harriett Baldwin: In 2016 the UK spent £3,736 million of bilateral official development assistance (ODA) in its top 20 receiving countries, based on the latest published statistics. This represented 44 per cent of total UK bilateral ODA.

GAVI Alliance

Ruth George: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what discussions the UK has had with other GAVI Alliance on extending the Advanced Market Commitment pilot beyond the current end date of December 2020.

Alistair Burt: The Advanced Market Commitment for Pneumococcal Vaccines (AMC) has been enormously successful and has achieved its targets three years ahead of schedule. Its innovative approach has enabled 114 million children to be immunised across 57 countries and prevented 762,000 deaths from severe pneumonia. It is a tremendous example of the impact UK Aid has in delivering results. The UK works closely with the Gavi Alliance and other AMC donors to ensure that our contribution to the AMC achieves the maximum impact and value for money. We have engaged in extensive discussions regarding the potential extension of Advanced Market Commitment pilot beyond the current end date of December 2020. However, given that the AMC has achieved all of its targets 3 years ahead of schedule, there is limited evidence an extension will deliver significant further benefits. The UK has pushed the AMC to develop and communicate a strategic use for any residual funds during the remaining life of the AMC and will continue to work with the Gavi Secretariat and donors to ensure the best use of these.

Developing Countries: Health Services

Ruth George: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking to support governments in developing countries to build universal health coverage.

Alistair Burt: The UK supports countries to build the strong and resilient health systems needed to achieve universal health coverage (UHC). DFID provides technical assistance and financial support directly to countries, promotes the technical leadership of the World Health Organisation, and funds research and new products that increase access and reduce prices for essential quality medicines and other commodities. Through health partnerships, we share UK experience and expertise in providing UHC through the NHS.

EU Aid

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what step she is taking to support an agreement with the EU on overseas development assistance and international action as set out in the future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union.

Harriett Baldwin: The White Paper on our Future Relationship with the EU proposes a cooperative accord between the UK and the EU covering development assistance and international action. The UK remains open to pooling resources with the EU and drawing on our collective expertise to maximise combined development impact in areas of our mutual interest. Precisely how this relationship will work is to be determined in the negotiations.

Mozambique: Debts

Hugh Gaffney: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, What assessment has she made of the effect of Mozambique’s debt crisis on progress towards poverty reduction in Mozambique.

Harriett Baldwin: The Department for International Development has not commissioned any formal assessment of the effects of the debt crisis on poverty reduction. The UK did support the national census in 2017. The full results will be published by November and will provide household level data on some key development indicators. The UK has been tracking various analyses of the economic situation led by others (including the World Bank and the IMF) to understand the implications of the macro-economic on poverty levels and has advocated strongly for the Government to protect pro-poor social sector spending.

Oxfam and Save the Children Fund: Finance

Hugh Gaffney: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking to monitor the ongoing effect on beneficiaries overseas of the withdrawal of Government funds to Oxfam and Save the Children.

Harriett Baldwin: DFID’s primary concern is the impact on beneficiaries and we have been careful to ensure that Oxfam and Save the Children’s voluntary withdrawal has not directly affected them. Although there has been a voluntary withdrawal from new UK government funding, no current DFID projects with either organisation have been stopped and are proceeding with enhanced scrutiny. For all new projects where we might otherwise have considered funding Oxfam and Save the Children, we are finding alternative partners to ensure that the poorest continue to be protected. DFID is absolutely committed to driving up standards across the aid sector and will host an international summit on tackling sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment on 18th October.

USA: UNRWA

Christine Jardine: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the effect of the USA withdrawing funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Alistair Burt: Any disruption to the essential services delivered by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) undermines the stability and economy of Gaza, which worsens living conditions and increases humanitarian needs. My officials and I are working with UNRWA and our partners to ensure essential services are maintained in Gaza and UNRWA’s other fields of operation, despite the US withdrawal of funding. The UK has announced £17 million of funding over the past four months, in addition to our original budget of £28 million, to protect UNRWA’s vital services. The Government has also increased humanitarian support to Gaza this year in light of the deteriorating conditions.

Yemen: Military Intervention

Sir Vince Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the effect on humanitarian access after military operations in Saada in August 2018.

Alistair Burt: Insecurity, damaged infrastructure and bureaucratic constraints throughout Yemen, including in Sa’ada, continue to threaten humanitarian access to the 22.2 million Yemenis in need of assistance across the country. We continue to work closely with our UN and NGO delivery partners, in Sa’ada and northern Yemen, who are operating under difficult circumstances to reach the most vulnerable. We also urge all parties to the conflict to ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian and commercial access across Yemen, including in Sa’ada, and to do everything possible to protect innocent civilians and demonstrate their commitment to International Humanitarian Law.

Yemen: Military Intervention

Sir Vince Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the effect of Saudi-led Coalition military operations in Saada in August 2018 on civilian life.

Alistair Burt: The UK government has expressed serious concern at the tragic loss of life in Yemen over August, including the tragic incidents of 2 August, 9 August, and 23 August in which so many Yemenis were killed. In the first two weeks of August alone, over 400 Yemenis lost their lives, including young children, and many more continue to face egregious violations of their basic human rights. We have welcomed the speed of the investigation into the Sa’ada incident of 9 August, and the Coalition’s announcement of regret and action to address the recommendations of that investigation, and are continuing to review the investigation’s conclusions. We continue to urge all sides of the conflict to do everything possible to protect innocent civilian life and to demonstrate their commitment to International Humanitarian law.

UNRWA: Finance

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what (a) representations her Department has made to and (b) what recent discussions his Department has held with the (i) EU and (ii) World Bank on funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in light of the decision of the US to withdraw its funding to that Agency.

Alistair Burt: The UK has made official level representations to the EU and World Bank on the position of UNRWA in recent months, and will continue to work with UNRWA and our international partners to ensure essential services are maintained despite the US withdrawal of funding.

Africa: Mental Health

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking to improve mental health (a) care and (b) education in Africa.

Alistair Burt: DFID is committed to taking a comprehensive approach to mental health. This includes working to improve the provision, equity and quality of mental health services. For example, in Ghana our Health Sector Support Programme has supported mental health systems strengthening and efforts to address underlying stigma and discrimination. Through Education Cannot Wait, the UK is funding safe learning spaces, teaching materials and psycho-social support – which aims to ensure 50% of qualified teachers in crises are fully trained in psychosocial support.

Africa: Poverty

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment her Department has made of the effect of the Government’s strategic shift on UK aid on poverty reduction in Africa.

Harriett Baldwin: During her recent visit to Africa, the Prime Minister set out plans for a new long-term UK partnership with African nations. She announced a number of measures to increase the impact and effectiveness of UK aid across Africa, including to help our partners meet the poverty challenges of the future by: harnessing the power of trade, investment and business to create jobs; tackling the causes of extremism, instability and poverty; and addressing opportunities and challenges brought about by climate change and demographic shifts.

Venezuela: Refugees

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what support the Government provides to Venezuelan refugees living in other Latin American countries.

Alistair Burt: The UK Government is very concerned by the growing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela and the region. The UK is already providing support to the crisis through our core funding to key UN humanitarian agencies and the Red Cross Movement, and DFID will shortly be deploying two humanitarian advisors to the region to explore how best we may complement international humanitarian aid efforts within Venezuela and the wider region.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Housing: Lifts

John Howell: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he plans to bring forward legislative proposals to ensure that buildings constructed for (a) elderly and (b) vulnerable people have more than one lift and such people are not trapped in their homes if one lift breaks down; and if he will make a statement.

Kit Malthouse: Building Regulations guidance in Approved Document M states that a passenger lift is the most suitable form of access for people moving from one story to another. Government is expecting to receive advice from the Building Regulations Advisory Committee on the scope of a review of this guidance in Approved Document M.

Environment Protection: Northern Ireland

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether legislative changes (a) are necessary and (b) have been made to ensure compliance in Northern Ireland with obligations under the (i) Environmental Impact Assessment Directive and (ii) Espoo Convention on Transboundary Impact.

Kit Malthouse: Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (“the EIA Directive”) was amended by Directive 2014/52/EU (“the amended EIA Directive”). The amended EIA Directive has been transposed into UK domestic law through a number of legislative measures made by Parliament and the devolved legislatures, including by the Northern Ireland Assembly.The UNECE Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (“the Espoo Convention”) was adopted in 1991 and entered into force on 10 September 1997. It was ratified by the UK on 10 October 1997. The changes it makes to transboundary requirements are reflected in amendments made to the EIA Directive and Directive 2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment (“the SEA Directive”) and UK Regulations transposing both Directives.

Affordable Housing: Planning Permission

John Grogan: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what safeguards will be put in place on the proposed entry level exception sites to prevent homes being resold at market rates.

Kit Malthouse: The new entry-level exception site policy, as set out in the revised National Planning Policy Framework, was published on 24 July 2018. Sites should comprise entry-level homes that offer one or more types of affordable housing, as defined within the revised National Planning Policy Framework’s glossary. Local authorities will determine applications, including where there should be provisions for the homes to remain at an affordable price for future eligible households.

Affordable Housing: Construction

John Grogan: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment has he made of the effect of the proposed entry level exception sites on the provision of affordable rented homes in England.

Kit Malthouse: The new entry-level exception site policy is set out in the revised National Planning Policy Framework which was published on 24 July 2018. It supports both first time buyers and those looking to rent their first home. The policy should have a positive impact on provision of affordable rented homes as sites should comprise entry-level homes offering one or more types of affordable housing, including affordable housing for rent.

East Sussex County Council: Finance

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent discussions he has had with representatives of East Sussex Country Council on that council's financial situation.

Rishi Sunak: We have regular discussions with local authorities on a range of issues.As part of the 2019-20 Local Government Finance Settlement, and more broadly, all councils including East Sussex have the opportunity to engage with the Department.

Employment: Disability

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he has plans to replicate the level of funding to support disabled people into work provided by the European Social Fund in the UK Shared Prosperity Fund after the UK leaves the EU.

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what estimate he has made of the proportion of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund budget that will be allocated to projects supporting disabled people into work.

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the level of funding that will be allocated from the UK Shared Prosperity fund to support disabled people into work.

Jake Berry: The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) will support people to contribute and benefit from economic growth.Taking its lead from the Industrial Strategy, the Fund will tackle inequalities between communities by investing in the foundations of productivity.We intend to consult on the UKSPF this year, as we committed to do in our Industrial Strategy.

Local Government Finance: East Sussex

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make an assessment of the effect on the provision of services by East Sussex County Council of the imposition of a statutory minimum budget by that council.

Rishi Sunak: The majority of the funding available to East Sussex through our Local Government Finance Settlement is non-ringfenced. This allows East Sussex to manage their budgets in line with local priorities, and they are accountable to their local electorate for the decisions they take over the provision of services.

Local Government Services

Mr Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will (a) update the 2011 lists of statutory duties placed on local authorities by legislation for which (i) his Department and (ii) other Departments are responsible; and (b) publish the additional potential duties placed on local authorities set out in (A) legislative proposals and (B) Government consultations.

James Brokenshire: The 2011 review of statutory duties placed on local government was a one off exercise and the Department has no plans to update that list.All Government departments developing new policy should consider whether there will be a new duty on local government as result, and if so must consider any cost implications through the New Burdens process.

Voluntary Work: Departmental Responsibilities

Mr Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport's press release of 8 August 2018 entitled Government outlines vision to empower and invest in society on the launch of the innovation in democracy pilot scheme, whether there has been any change in departmental responsibilities that resulted in that Department issuing that press release.

Jake Berry: The Civil Society Strategy is a cross-government effort to help build strong and connected communities that work for everyone. My Department works to ensure communities have more control over the decisions that affect them and officials in my Department work closely with other government departments, including the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports in this regard.

UK Shared Prosperity Fund: Public Consultation

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Written Statement of 24 July 2018 on Local Growth, HLWS898, what the timeframe is for the start of the consultation on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Jake Berry: We continue to work on the design and priorities of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund ahead of an intended public consultation later this year, as announced in the Industrial Strategy.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Gardening Leave

Sir Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many staff of his Department have been absent from work on full pay for more than twelve consecutive months.

Jake Berry: The number of staff currently employed by this Department that have been absent from work on full pay for more than twelve consecutive months is fewer than five and therefore not suitable for release. Providing a more accurate response to this request would breach the Data Protection Act.

Council Tax: Dorset

Sir Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 16 July to Question 162973 on council tax: Dorset, whether representations have been received in response to the consultation; and on what date the Government plans to announce its decision.

Rishi Sunak: The Secretary of State is currently considering the local preferences on council tax harmonisation that have been received from shadow authorities responsible for setting council taxes in 2019-20, including those views from the Shadow Dorset Council and the Shadow Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. He intends, as soon as practicable, to reach a preliminary view on the approach to be adopted, and on which he will invite any further comments from the shadow authorities before taking a final decision and making any new secondary legislation.

Ministry of Justice

Disability Living Allowance: Appeals

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the average time is that families of child claimants of disability living allowance in Garston and Halewood constituency have to wait for a tribunal hearing when appealing the outcome of a mandatory reconsideration.

Lucy Frazer: HM Courts & Tribunals Service does not categorise Disability Living Allowance appeals by the age of the appellant. This information is therefore not held centrally.

Private Prosecutions: Legal Costs

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how much funding from the public purse has been allocated on covering the legal costs of private prosecutors in the event that the private prosecution fails in the last five years.

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when his Department last reviewed its policy of reimbursing private prosecutors' costs from the public purse in the event that the private prosecution fails.

Lucy Frazer: Prior to October 2014 Legal Aid Agency payment data did not separately identify private prosecution costs from other costs awarded from central funds. Data is available for the last three years for private prosecution costs, but these figures do not distinguish between costs awarded in successful and unsuccessful prosecutions. Total payments to private prosecutors were: 2015-16 £4,263,0002016-17 £1,821,0002017-18 £3,674,000 Central Funds policy is kept under regular review.

Prisons: Construction

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he plans to publish the Estates and Transformation Team report on the feasibility of the public sector bidding to run new-build prisons; and if he will make a statement.

Rory Stewart: On 26 June I updated the House of Commons Justice Committee on our plans to build the first prison in our prison estate transformation programme at the former HMP Wellingborough through public capital, with construction work expected to begin late 2018/early 2019 – subject to the usual planning approvals, value for money and affordability. We intend to launch a competition to appoint a framework of prison operators, from which we will select the operator for the new prison at Wellingborough and potentially further prisons following expiry of current private sector contracts. HM Prison and Probation Service will not bid to run the new prison at Wellingborough. However, there will be a ‘public sector benchmark’ against which operators’ bids will be assessed. Contracts will not be awarded if bids do not meet quality or value for money thresholds.

Prisoners' Transfers

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the system for prisoner transfers between different categories of prison is effectively monitored.

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 23 July to Question 165122, if he will collect data centrally on how many male prisoners whose security category is D (eligible for open prisons) are awaiting transfer to an open prison in Category (a) B and (b) C Prisons in England and Wales.

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 23 July 2018 to Question 165122, if he will collect data centrally on how many female prisoners whose security category is D (eligible for open prisons) are awaiting transfer to an open prison in Category (a) B and (b) C Prisons in England and Wales.

Rory Stewart: Arrangements are already in place to ensure that progressive moves of prisoners between prisons are both appropriate, and carried out in as timely a fashion as possible. Transfers around the prison estate are managed on a case-by-case basis by the sending and receiving prisons so that prisoners are held in establishments that provide appropriate levels of security, are suitable for their gender, age and legal status, provide facilities to reduce their risk of reoffending and, wherever possible, at the lowest cost to the taxpayer. Prisoners are moved to suitable establishments as part of their sentence plan, following re-categorisation in line with centrally produced guidance, where requested or where there is an operational need to do so. Enabling progressive transfers of prisoners is also subject to space in the appropriate part of the prison estate becoming available. The speed of transfers, therefore, reflects the availability of places in a particular location or of a particular type. Further to my answer to Questions 165122 and 165123, answered on 23 July 2018, as the process of transferring prisoners between establishments is based on the individual requirements of each prisoner, there is no intention to begin centrally collecting specific data on the number of male and female prisoners who are awaiting transfers to other prisons.

Prisons: Staff

Dr Sarah Wollaston: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department and HM Prison and Probation Service are taking to speed up security clearance for health and social care staff commencing employment in prisons.

Rory Stewart: The last year has seen a significant increase in the level of recruitment with a target of deploying an additional 2,500 prison officers in post by the end of 2018. This has impacted the overall volume of cases handled by our shared services provider, due to significant increases in the number of applications handled. This has resulted in backlogs in processing across all of the business. The right balance needs to be struck between having staff appropriately security cleared and the speed at which they can begin employment with HMPPS. Steps have been taken to review the whole recruitment end-to-end procedure to look at the points in which delays have or can take place. Action has been taken to address these and the backlog of cases has been reduced significantly from last year. This in turn, has also resulted in speedier processing times in security vetting for all staff.

Prisons: Staff

Dr Sarah Wollaston: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the average number of days taken was to gain security clearance for health and social care professionals seeking to commence employment in prisons in each of the last five financial years.

Rory Stewart: The average number of days taken to complete security clearance for health and social care professionals seeking employment within HMPPS from 2016 has been provided in the table below. We are unable to provide this information for cases prior to 2016, as a different operating system was used and to which the now service provider to HMPPS does not have access. Financial YearAverage days2016 - 2017562017 - 201871April 2018 to present37 Please note - that the information in the table for health and social care professionals has been collated based on the job title of the campaign and may be subject to slight variations.

Prisons: Food

Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to Prison Service Instruction 44 of 2010, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of nutritional standards in prisons and correctional facilities.

Rory Stewart: Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) has issued food policy guidance and specification expectations that require all prisons to provide prisoners with the opportunity to select a meal of choice from a range of meals that are balanced, varied and reflects Government’s recommendation on eating a heathy diet. The new Ministry of Justice (MoJ) food supply contract provides the opportunity for prisons to purchase fresh vegetables, salad crop and fruit. There is also a range of food commodities that are lower in salt, sugar and saturated fats. HMPPS regularly monitor and record meal provision against policy expectations.

Prisons: Physical Education

Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to Rule 29 of the Prison Rules 1999, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of prisoners' (a) access to and (b) engagement in physical education.

Rory Stewart: I am passionate about the benefits that can be derived from participating in sport and physical activity in custody, which include building prisoner’s confidence, providing purposeful activity and supporting engagement with rehabilitation when prisoners are preparing for release. My former colleague, Dr Lee commissioned Professor Rosie Meek of Royal Holloway University of London to undertake an independent review of sport and physical activity in the Youth estate – Professor Meek’s report was published on 11 August. The recommendations in this report will help us to build a range of sporting activities which engage young people in custody and support their rehabilitation.

Birmingham Prison

David Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many full-time controllers employed by his Department operated within HMP Birmingham in each year since 2010; and on how many occasions did he (a) meet, (b) undertake written communications and (c) telephone those controllers since 1 January 2018.

David Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many occasions did he (a) hold meetings with, (b) undertake written communications with and (c) telephone members of the Independent Monitoring Board for HMP Birmingham since 1 January 2018.

Rory Stewart: Since G4S took over the running of HMP Birmingham in 2011, a Controller’s team has been in place consisting of a Controller, a Deputy Controller, and an Assistant Controller. During that time, a total of five different members of staff have been employed in the above posts. The Secretary of State visited HMP Birmingham personally, in May 2018 where he met with the Chair of the Independent Monitoring Board; the Senior Contract Manager for HMP Birmingham, who manages the Controller; and the Head of Custodial Contracts for HM Prison and Probation Service. I also responded to the Chair of the IMB in May 2018, acknowledging the concerns raised in relation to the prison, and visited HMP Birmingham personally, to follow up on their concerns in August 2018.

Mentally Disordered Offenders

Jo Stevens: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the discussion paper, Criminal Liability: Insanity and Automatism, published by the Law Commission in July 2013,  whether the Government has plans to reform the legislation on the defence of insanity.

Lucy Frazer: The Ministry of Justice has no current plans to reform the law of the defence of insanity.

Prison Officers: Training

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the training requirements are for new prison officers; and (a) how and (b) where is that training delivered.

Rory Stewart: Newly recruited prison officers are required to complete a 12 week Prison Officer Entry Level Training (POELT) course. This provides new officers with a foundation level of training in all core skill areas including interpersonal skills, mental health awareness, equality, violence reduction and safer custody, alongside the more traditional security awareness and practical skills needed to be a prison officer. HMPPS deliver POELT training nationally from 37 centres, which are a mixture of prison sites and Learning and Development learning centres. These venues can change depending on the recruitment demand. Training is classroom delivery alongside the practical elements which are delivered in a dojo and cell area. We are currently reviewing our training courses.

Disability Living Allowance: Appeals

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 23 July 2018 to Question 167151 on Disability Living Allowance: Appeals, what the timeframe is for the reduction in the waiting times to be achieved; and what recent assessment she has made of the potential level of reduction in waiting times.

Lucy Frazer: Training is underway for the judicial office holders who have already been recruited to the Tribunal. Once this is completed we expect more cases to be listed, improving the throughput in the tribunal. We will continue to work closely with the judiciary to reduce waiting times including judicial consideration of whether a hearing should be expedited.

Risley Prison

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many prison officers currently serving at HMP Risley have (a) less than six months, (b) six to 12 months, (c) 12 months to five years and (iv) more than five years' service as prison officers.

Rory Stewart: The number of band 3-5 prison officers, on Full Time Equivalent (FTE) basis, as at 30th June 2018 by length of service as a prison officer can be found in table 1 below. Table 1: Full Time Equivalent (FTE) Band 3-5 officers1 in post at HMP Risley, by length of service2, as 30th June 2018  Length of ServiceNumber of Band 3-5 officersLess than 6 Months246 months up to 1 year341 year up to 5 years285 years or more150Total2361. These include Band 3-4 / Prison Officer (incl specialists), Band 4 / Supervising Officer and Band 5 / Custodial Managers.2. Length of service is calculated from the date staff started working in an officer grade.

Risley Prison

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will make an assessment of the effect on local authority support services  of reclassifying HMP Risley as a prison for non-UK prisoners; and if he will make a statement.

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what discussions he has had with Warrington Borough Council on the effect on that council's (a) services and (b) budget of reclassifying HMP Risley as a prison for non-UK prisoners.

Rory Stewart: As I mentioned in my answer to your previous question (PQ 160083) answered on 11 July, HMP Risley has been identified to become a Foreign National Offender (FNO) establishment which will hold foreign national men of interest to the Home Office. The transition of HMP Risley to a specialist FNO establishment will play an important part in the work of the Prison Estate Transformation Programme (PETP) to simplify the prison estate and align the supply of places with demand. There have been no discussions with Warrington Borough Council yet, but early planning for the transition is underway and the PETP is working closely with the Governor to prepare for this change which will include liaising with all stakeholders, including relevant local authorities, to better understand implications of the changes and to assist them in preparing for the changeover.

Domestic Violence

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to ensure special protection measures are implemented for all victims of domestic abuse across all UK jurisdictions.

Edward Argar: I am only able to respond in relation to special measures that are available in criminal justice, family and civil proceedings in England and Wales. In the criminal courts, complainants of offences which involve domestic abuse are eligible for special measures as ‘intimidated witnesses’ if the quality of their evidence is likely to be diminished by reason of fear or distress as a result of testifying in the proceedings. They may also be eligible as ‘vulnerable witnesses’ if they are under 18 or the quality of their evidence is likely to be diminished by reason of a mental or physical disability or disorder.In the civil and family courts, parties can apply to the judge for protective measures such as screens and videolinks and over the last year staff have received training on providing additional measures such as separate entrances, exits and waiting rooms. We are considering how best to build on the recent improvements we have made in this area and we have recently consulted on creating a legislative assumption that all victims of domestic abuse are eligible for assistance on the grounds of fear and distress in criminal proceedings. We have also sought views on what more the Government can do to support victims and will be publishing a formal response to the Consultation (Transforming the Response to Domestic Abuse) in the autumn 2018. The government has published its Victims Strategy, which commits to improving the support and protections available to all victims of crime.

Family Courts: Domestic Violence

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether his Department has plans for an independent statutory inquiry into the family courts’ handling of domestic abuse.

Lucy Frazer: We are determined to improve the treatment of domestic abuse victims in the family justice system. We believe that the Government’s consultation on domestic abuse provides the best avenue for considering how best to build on the recent improvements we have made in this area. We are examining responses received to the consultation, ahead of publishing a formal Government response in autumn 2018.

Judiciary: Females

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that women are better represented in the UK judicial system.

Lucy Frazer: In recent years, there has been progress in achieving greater representation of women in the judicial system and women now make up 29% of judges in the courts in England & Wales, 46% in UK tribunals and 55% of magistrates in England & Wales. Diversity in the judiciary remains a complex picture and there is more to be done. The Ministry of Justice is committed to working with the Lord Chief Justice and Chair of the Judicial Appointments Commission to consider all practical actions that would impact positively on diversity, assess the impact of our existing activities and measure progress. In April 2018, MoJ announced funding for the pre-application judicial education programme (PAJE). This is a Judicial Diversity Forum initiative, to support and encourage lawyers interested in a judicial career and will target lawyers from underrepresented groups to apply for judicial office: women, BAME, lawyers with disabilities and those from a non-barrister professional background (including solicitors and Chartered Legal Executives).

Treasury

Equitable Life Assurance Society: Compensation

Jared O'Mara: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will revise upwards the level of compensation paid to people who experienced financial loses as a result of the mismanagement of Equitable Life.

John Glen: Around £1.5bn tax free has already been allocated to the Equitable Life Payment Scheme, which closed to new claims in 2015. There are no plans to reopen the Payment Scheme or to allocate further funds to it.

BBC: Pay

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he is taking steps in relation to (a) the BBC and (b) the employees of the BBC who previously used (i) personal service companies and (ii) other remuneration schemes and as a result are now liable for increased tax bills; and if he will make a statement.

Mel Stride: HM Revenue and Customs do not comment on identifiable cases because of their duty to maintain taxpayer confidentiality. The off-payroll working rules (often known as IR35) ensure that individuals who work like employees pay broadly the same income tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs) as other employees, regardless of whether they work through a personal service company. These rules have been in place for nearly 20 years but non-compliance was widespread. In Finance Act 2017 the Government reformed the rules in the public sector. The reform introduced no new tax liability but moved responsibility for operating the rules to public authority engagers, including the BBC. Initial evidence suggests that the reform has been successful and more people are paying the right tax.

Bank Services: Mobile Phones

Alex Sobel: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has issued guidance to consumers without mobile phones on alternatives to the one-time password code banking system; and if he will make a statement.

John Glen: Under the Payment Services Regulations 2017 and the preceding 2011 Regulations, banks are required to have systems and controls in place to manage security risks, including those relating to authentication of a payment. It is a commercial matter for the banks as to how they manage these risks, including the use of one-time passcodes, or alternative systems, and their responsibility to issue guidance to customers about their use. UK banks’ and building societies’ treatment of their customers is governed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in its Principles for Businesses. This includes a requirement for firms to provide a prompt, efficient and fair service to all of their customers, including those without mobile phones.

London Stock Exchange

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has made an assessment of the potential contribution of the London Stock Exchange to the UK economy after the UK leaves the EU; and if he will make statement.

John Glen: The London Stock Exchange is a key institution in the UK’s financial services sector and makes a valuable contribution to the UK economy. The financial services sector provides necessary services for the healthy functioning of the UK economy, and the Government takes very seriously our responsibility to protect the future of the UK’s global financial services sector, including the London Stock Exchange. We are working closely with financial services firms in the UK to ensure a smooth transition to our future relationship with the EU. We are confident in securing a deal with the EU on financial services that allows cross-border trade to continue because this is the mutually beneficial outcome of our withdrawal from the EU.

Unilever

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions has he had with the London Stock Exchange on the qualification criteria for the FTSE 100 (a) before and (b) after Unilever's announcement that it would seek to unify its headquarters outside of the UK.

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has made an assessment of the level of discretion that the London Stock Exchange subsidiary FTSE-Russell will have over a decision on whether to continue to include Unilever in the FTSE 100 index; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has discussed with the London Stock Exchange the amount of discretion that its subsidiary FTSE-Russell has over decisions on constituents of the FTSE 100; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to write to the London Stock Exchange on the level of flexibility of its FTSE-Russell subsidiary in relation to granting FTSE 100 index membership to Unilever; and if he will make a statement.

John Glen: Criteria for inclusion within an index are a matter for the benchmark administrator, rather than for the government or regulator. It is therefore FTSE Russell’s decision as a private company and not for HM Treasury to comment on an ongoing decision. FTSE’s methodology is made publicly available at (http://www.ftse.com/products/downloads/FTSE_UK_Index_Series.pdf) and discretion is available within this framework. Treasury Ministers and officials have meetings with a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors, including the London Stock Exchange, as part of the process of policy development and delivery. Details of ministerial and permanent secretary meetings with external organisations on departmental business are published on a quarterly basis and are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmt-ministers-meetings-hospitality-giftsand-overseas-travel

Unilever

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what representations he has received from representatives of the investment management industry in London on (a) Unilever unifying its dual headed corporate structure to the Netherlands and (b) the effect of that unification on the company remaining a constituent of the FTSE 100 index.

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has had discussions with representatives of the financial services industry on the potential (a) unification by Unilever of its dual-headed corporate structure to the Netherlands and (b) implications of that unification for Unilever's remaining a constituent of the FTSE 100 index; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has had discussions with the Financial Conduct Authority on the potential (a) unification by Unilever of its dual-headed corporate structure to the Netherlands and (b) implications of that unification for Unilever's remaining a constituent of the FTSE 100 index; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has had discussions with Unilever on its proposal to unify its dual-headed corporate structure to the Netherlands; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has made representations to the London Stock Exchange on (a) the proposed unification by Unilever of its dual-headed corporate structure to the Netherlands and (b) Unilever's potentially no longer being a constituent of the FTSE 100; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has discussed with the London Stock Exchange the potential implications for the reputation of the UK investment management industry of Unilever unifying its headquarters in the Netherlands and no longer being a constituent of the FTSE 100 index.

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the London Stock Exchange divulged to him details of its discussions with Unilever on (a) the potential effect on its ability to remain a constituent of the FTSE 100 index and (b) other potential effects of its proposal to unify its dual-headed corporate structure; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the London Stock Exchange has informed him of the steps it will take in relation to Unilever (a) remaining and (b) leaving as a constituent member of the FTSE 100 index; and if he will make a statement.

John Glen: Treasury Ministers and officials have meetings with a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors as part of the process of policy development and delivery. Details of ministerial and permanent secretary meetings with external organisations on departmental business are published on a quarterly basis and are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmt-ministers-meetings-hospitality-giftsand-overseas-travel

FTSE Russell

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he is aware of the role of the policy advisory board of the London Stock Exchange subsidiary FTSE-Russell in advising which companies are assigned UK nationality and therefore qualify for inclusion in the FTSE 100; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has asked the London Stock Exchange for the names of the members of the policy advisory board of FTSE-Russell.

John Glen: FTSE Russell’s methodology, including nationality requirements, for inclusion in the FTSE 100 is available at (http://www.ftse.com/products/downloads/FTSE_UK_Index_Series.pdf). Treasury Ministers and officials have meetings with a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors, including the London Stock Exchange, as part of the process of policy development and delivery. Details of ministerial and permanent secretary meetings with external organisations on departmental business are published on a quarterly basis and are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmt-ministers-meetings-hospitality-gifts-and-overseas-travel

Financial Services

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the White Paper, The Future Relationship Between the United Kingdom and the European Union, published in July 2018, what assessment he has made of the effect of the policies set out in that White Paper on transactions in euro-denominated assets for the UK financial sector.

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the White Paper, The Future Relationship Between the United Kingdom and the European Union, published in July 2018, what assessment he has made of the effect of policies set out in that White Paper on derivatives clearing for the UK financial sector.

John Glen: Derivatives clearing is an integral part of the UK financial system and the financial stability of both the UK and the EU. This includes euro-denominated clearing, which forms an important part of the overall financial structure in London, generating economic efficiencies from which many firms in the UK, in Europe and internationally benefit. We aim to ensure that we avoid outcomes that impose unnecessary costs and disruption on individuals and businesses as the UK leaves the EU. We have been clear that equivalence, as it currently stands, will not work for the UK, and will not work for the EU. As set out in the White Paper, the UK is seeking a future UK-EU relationship which recognises the autonomy of each party over decisions regarding access to its market. Importantly, it also includes a bilateral component which would create shared commitments for the governance of the relationship, establish extensive supervisory and regulatory cooperation, as well as robust and transparent processes. This includes appropriate timelines and notice-periods if market access was to be withdrawn. The effect of the agreement would be stability for the UK-EU financial ecosystem and the continuation of economically valuable financial services under a new balance of rights and obligations.

Financial Services

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what advice his Department has issued to the financial sector on contract continuity (a) during the implementation period and (b) after 31 December 2020.

John Glen: The UK and EU negotiating teams reached a hugely important milestone in the Brexit process by agreeing the terms of a time-limited implementation period (IP). The document “HM Treasury’s approach to financial services legislation under the EU (Withdrawal) Act 2018,” published by HM Treasury on 27 June 2018, sets out that during the IP, access to one another’s markets will remain unchanged and firms will be able to trade on the same terms as now until 31 December 2020. This will allow citizens and businesses in the UK and across the EU to plan with confidence for life after our withdrawal, on the basis that businesses can operate as now throughout the IP. The White Paper, “The future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union,” published on 12 July 2018, sets out HMG’s position on the future relationship in financial services with the EU. As set out in the White Paper, the UK is seeking a future UK-EU relationship which continues to facilitate economically beneficial cross-border financial services, with a scope that reflects global business models. The White Paper also includes a proposal to protect consumers and businesses through a commitment that existing contracts can be fulfilled even if access is withdrawn. The effect of the agreement would be to provide stability for the UK-EU financial ecosystem.

Insurance: Reciprocal Arrangements

Matthew Pennycook: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what progress he has made on replicating the insurance agreements that the EU has with third countries that enable reciprocal arrangements for insurers to open agencies and branches in third countries after the UK has left the EU.

John Glen: As agreed at the March European Council, during the implementation period the UK is to be treated as a Member State for the purposes of international agreements. This includes the insurance agreements that the EU has with third countries. This provides certainty and confidence that there will be no disruption to existing relationships underpinned by international agreements. We are engaging with partner countries to plan for continuity of the effect of existing agreements, for example the EU-Swiss and EU-US agreements, adjusted appropriately to reflect our departure from the European Union.

Treasury: Public Bodies

Chris Law: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many contractors employed in (a) the Government Actuary's Department, (b) HM Revenue and Customs,(c) HM Treasury Group, (d) National Savings & Investments, (e) Office for National Statistics, (f) Royal Mint, and (g) Valuation Office Agency are paid £1,000 or more per day.

Robert Jenrick: An error has been identified in the written answer given on 04 September 2018.The correct answer should have been:

HM Revenue and Customs currently makes use of 2 one contractors in that category. There are none being employed at the others.

Robert Jenrick: HM Revenue and Customs currently makes use of 2 one contractors in that category. There are none being employed at the others.

Revenue and Customs: Finance

Chris Law: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to page 46 of the HMRC Annual Report and Accounts 2017-18, what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of Operation Swiftarrow; when that operation is planned to conclude; and if he will make a statement.

Mel Stride: The pre-clearance checks referenced on page 46 of HMRC’s Annual Report and Accounts 2017-18 are part of HMRC’s ongoing approach to customs compliance, which involves compliance activity both before and after customs clearance, as well as trader monitoring and providing trader education. This approach is proving effective.

Claims Management Services

Lee Rowley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to bring forward legislative proposals to include (a) claims management companies and (b) law firms undertaking claims activities in the remit of the Financial Conduct Authority's jurisdiction and supervision under the supervision of the Solicitors Regulatory Authority.

John Glen: The government is committed to strengthening claims management regulation. The provisions of the Financial Guidance and Claims Act allows the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to introduce a regulatory regime that enhances both consumer protection and professionalism in the sector. The government will introduce secondary legislation in the autumn to enable the transfer of claims management activity from the Claims Management Regulation Unit to the FCA, and the transfer of complaints handling from the Legal Ombudsman to the Financial Ombudsman Service. From 1 April 2019, the FCA and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) will regulate firms that carry out claims management activities, and the Financial Ombudsman will handle complaints made about regulated firms. Law firms undertaking claims management activity will be exempt from regulation by the FCA, but are regulated by the SRA. The FCA and the SRA are working to review their memorandum of understanding to ensure they work together to effectively regulate relevant firms.

Claims Management Services

Lee Rowley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether (a) his Department or (b) the Financial Conduct Authority has made an assessment of trends in the level of costs for financial services as a result of (i) spurious and (ii) fraudulent claims by claims management companies.

John Glen: HM Treasury and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) do not make assessments of the level of costs for financial services as a result of spurious and fraudulent claims by claims management companies (CMCs). In 2015 the government commissioned an independent review which found that there was still widespread evidence of detriment caused by CMCs. The FCA’s research found that some CMCs used ‘heavy and persuasive marketing tactics’ and offered poor value for money to consumers, despite regulation by the Claims Management Regulator (CMR) under the Ministry of Justice. The Financial Guidance and Claims Act strengthens the regulation of CMCs by transferring regulatory responsibility from the CMR to the FCA. The FCA will regulate most claims management activity from the 1 April 2019 and will continue to monitor the activities of CMCs and its impact on the sectors they are active in.

Debts

Ged Killen: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent estimate he has made of the (a) average level and (b) total value of personal debt in the UK.

John Glen: The household debt-to-income ratio was 140% in Q1 2018, significantly below its pre-crisis high of 160% in Q1 2008. The independent Financial Policy Committee was set up by the government to assess and mitigate financial stability risks, including from household debt. The FPC has taken action to ensure against a significant rise in highly indebted households.

VAT: EU Law

Tom Brake: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department plans to transpose (a) Directive 2016/1065/EU on VAT treatment of vouchers and (b) Directive 2017/2455/EU on VAT on electronic commerce whose transposition date expires by the end of this year.

Mel Stride: The Government plans to transpose the relevant parts of both Directives by the end of this year.

Wines: Import Duties

Tom Brake: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether it is the Government's policy that UK citizens returning with purchased wine from the EU will have to pay (a) £2 duty on wine that they have bought in bulk direct from vineyards and have bottled themselves before returning to the UK and (b) a reduced corkage fee instead once the UK has left the EU.

Robert Jenrick: Currently individuals can bring back wine into the UK from other EU Member States without being charged excise duty, as long as the wine is only for their personal consumption. The UK’s excise rules following EU Exit and the end of the Implementation Period remain subject to negotiation.

Insurance Premium Tax

Anneliese Dodds: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect of changes in the rate of insurance premium tax on the cost of insurance premiums since 2011.

Mel Stride: It is difficult to isolate the impact of insurance premium tax rate increases from other factors impacting on the price of insurance products. The Government nonetheless publishes prospective impact assessments for the changes in the rate of Insurance Premium Tax (IPT). The assessment for the most recent change (announced at Autumn Statement 2016) can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/insurance-premium-tax-increase-of-standard-rate/insurance-premium-tax-increase-of-standard-rate

Tax Avoidance

Anneliese Dodds: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many investigations HMRC has launched against firms using the Employment Allowance avoidance scheme referred to in the HMRC guidance of 29 June 2015.

Mel Stride: Since issuing the guidance of 29 June 2015 HMRC has seen changes in the way the Employment Allowance has been abused. HMRC undertakes a wide range of targeted compliance interventions, including where appropriate referrals for criminal prosecution, to address any abuse of the Employment Allowance. In November 2016 HMRC formed the Employment Status and Intermediaries team which leads the operational response to issues such as the abusive use of the Employment Allowance by agencies and payroll companies.

Child Benefit: Repayments

Laura Smith: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the reasons for the time taken for HMRC to notify people affected by the high-income child benefit charge of the money to be repaid.

Elizabeth Truss: The High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) was introduced to ensure that support is targeted at those who need it most. It applies to anyone with an income over £50,000 who claims Child Benefit, or whose partner claims Child Benefit. The tax charge increases gradually for taxpayers with incomes between £50,000 and £60,000. Families in which at least one taxpayer has an income over £60,000 can choose not to receive the Child Benefit, which means that they do not have to pay the tax charge at all. Those who continue to receive Child Benefit must register for Self Assessment to declare their Child Benefit payments and pay the tax charge through their tax return. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) encourages customers to contact it straightaway to pay the tax charge and the vast majority do so. Information on HICBC widely available, including in packs for new parents telling them how to claim Child Benefit, as well as on the Child Benefit claim form itself. Guidance is also available online on gov.uk. HMRC has a duty to apply tax legislation fairly and in an even-handed way, and takes every opportunity to make individuals aware of their responsibilities, including notifying of any taxes due.

Financial Services: Australia

Adam Afriyie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the FinTech bridge agreement between the UK and Australia.

Adam Afriyie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the FinTech bridge agreement between the UK and Hong Kong.

Adam Afriyie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the FinTech bridge agreement between the UK and Singapore.

Adam Afriyie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the FinTech bridge agreement between the UK and South Korea.

Adam Afriyie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the FinTech bridge agreement between the UK and China.

John Glen: The UK’s FinTech Bridge agreements have facilitated positive cross border activity between the UK and our Bridge partner markets, and UK officials work closely with counterparts in each FinTech Bridge market to support firms seeking to export internationally.

Financial Services

Adam Afriyie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has had discussions with his international counterparts on establishing new Fin Tech bridge agreements between their countries and the UK.

John Glen: There have been no recent discussions between the Chancellor of the Exchequer and international counterparts on establishing new FinTech Bridge agreements since the signing of the UK-Australia FinTech Bridge in March 2018. However the UK remains committed to fostering international collaboration and exploring the scope for additional FinTech Bridge agreements where opportunities are present.

Cryptocurrencies

Adam Afriyie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has had discussions with the Bank of England on the establishment of a state-backed digital currency.

John Glen: The Chancellor has not had any formal discussions with the Bank of England about a state-backed digital currency. Whilst the Bank of England is not planning to create a central bank-issued digital currency, it has been carrying out research to understand any potential implications. For more information on this research, please visit this page: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/research/digital-currencies

Insurance: Misrepresentation

Laura Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the estimated £70 billion in unpaid compensation for the mis-selling of payment protection insurance, if he will review the deadline for making a compensation claim.

John Glen: The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)’s decision to set a deadline for mis-sold Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) was announced in August 2017, and gives consumers two years to make a claim. The government is confident in the FCA’s approach to handling mis-sold PPI and the deadline was set by the FCA in their role as an independent regulator. For this reason, the Chancellor is unable to review the deadline. The deadline was set to prompt consumers to complain or check whether they had PPI. It is intended to help consumers get redress sooner, improve the efficiency of PPI complaints handling, and bring the PPI issue to an orderly conclusion to rebuild trust in the retail banking sector. The FCA will write to Laura Smith MP to set out their position in more detail.

Insurance: Misrepresentation

Laura Smith: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has made an assessment of the potential increase in demand on the court system as a result of the deadline for making PPI claims via the Financial Ombudsman; and if he will make a statement.

John Glen: The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)’s decision to set a deadline for mis-sold Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) was announced in August 2017, and gives consumers two years to make a claim. The government is confident in the FCA’s approach to handling mis-sold PPI and the deadline was set by the FCA in their role as an independent regulator. As this was an FCA decision and not legislation, the Chancellor has not made an assessment on the impacts on the court system resulting from the deadline.

Excise Duties: Motor Vehicles

Ben Lake: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Government provides support for the payment of vehicle excise duty to people in receipt of welfare.

Ben Lake: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of waiving the surcharge for paying road tax on a monthly basis for people in receipt of welfare benefits.

Robert Jenrick: Individuals in receipt of the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and its successor, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) qualify for an exemption from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). A fifty per cent reduction in VED is available to those in receipt of the PIP standard rate mobility component. Individuals who do not qualify for an exemption or the reduced rate pay VED in line with other motorists. To limit the impact on the public finances, a five per cent surcharge applies to monthly and six monthly direct debit payments.

Nursery Schools: Construction

Luke Graham: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has plans to allow builders of new nursery school buildings to zero-rate the VAT on building materials and services used in the construction.

Mel Stride: The government applies a zero of rate of VAT to the construction of charitable buildings. This includes nursery buildings where they operate as charities. While all taxes are kept under review, the application of further zero rates is strictly limited by EU law. Future VAT rules will depend on the outcome of negotiations with the EU. Any future decisions on VAT will continue to be taken as part of the normal Budget process.

Listed Buildings: VAT

David Duguid: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to reduce VAT for repairs and alterations to listed buildings.

Mel Stride: EU VAT rules do not allow the introduction of a reduced rate or exemption for goods and services supplied exclusively for the repair, maintenance and renovations of listed buildings. While the UK remains a member of the EU, we will continue to abide by our rights and obligations.

Loans: Republic of Ireland

Paul Girvan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what progress the Republic of Ireland has made in its repayment of bailout loans issued by the UK.

John Glen: I refer the Hon Member to the most recent statutory report which the Treasury provided to Parliament as required by Section 2 of the Loans to Ireland Act 2010. The report was laid in Parliament on 24 April 2018 and is available in the Vote Office. This report shows that principal repayments are due in tranches from 15 April 2019 until 26 March 2021. The UK has received interest payments since the disbursement of the loan. The timetable for repayment set out in the report remains unchanged, and the government continues to expect the loan to be repaid on time and in full.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Alan Brown: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much has been spent from the public purse on (a) feasibility studies, (b) preliminary design (c) site investigations, (d) land purchase, (e) detailed design, (f) procurement and (g) legal costs in relation to High Speed 2; and what Barnett Consequential allocations have been made as a result of these costs.

Elizabeth Truss: Spend on the HS2 scheme up until 2016/17 was £2.2bn. The full breakdown of this spend is covered in the published HS2 annual accounts, available online. A further £1,160m was spent in 2017/18, excluding Land and Property costs, which will be published separately through the Department for Transport accounts. The Barnett Formula was applied to the Department for Transport’s 2015 Spending Review settlement, which included HS2, as set out in the Statement of Funding Policy.

Right to Buy Scheme: Pilot Schemes

Alan Brown: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what Barnett consequentials funding has been allocated relative to the £200 million in funding for the Midlands Voluntary Right to Buy Pilot announced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 16 August 2018.

Elizabeth Truss: The 2017 Autumn Budget confirmed that government would proceed with a £200 million pilot of the Right to Buy for housing association tenants. An additional £70 million was allocated to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the devolved administrations received Barnett consequentials totalling £13 million. All Barnett consequentials are set out in the Block Grant Transparency Publicationhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/block-grant-transparency-december-2017-publication

Brexit: West Midlands

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the UK leaving the EU without a deal on the West Midlands.

Elizabeth Truss: We firmly believe it is in the interests of both the EU and the UK to strike a deal. That remains the goal on both sides and we are confident that this will be achieved. The Government has confirmed that when we bring forward the vote on the final deal, we will ensure that Parliament is presented with the appropriate analysis to make an informed decision. Given that we are yet to conclude this negotiation, it would not be practical or appropriate to set out the precise details of exactly how the government will analyse the final deal.

Air Passenger Duty: Republic of Ireland

John Howell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the effect on aviation in Northern Ireland of the abolition of Air Passenger Duty in the Republic of Ireland.

Robert Jenrick: The government recognises that Northern Ireland faces unique challenges due to its geography. In order to better understand these challenges, the government ran a call for evidence on ‘VAT, Air Passenger Duty and tourism in Northern Ireland’ which closed in June. It is the government’s intention to report at Budget.

Air Passenger Duty: Regional Airports

John Howell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the imposition of Air Passenger Duty on regional airports in the UK.

Robert Jenrick: Like all taxes, Air Passenger Duty remains under review and officials regularly engage with stakeholders, including representatives from regional airports. Last year regional airports handled approximately 113 million passengers, around 40% of the UK total, and airports across the regions of the UK continue to grow.

Inflation and Pay

Hugh Gaffney: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of recent trends in the level of (a) wage growth and (b)inflation.

John Glen: In their March Economic and Fiscal Outlook, the Office for Budget Responsibility expected CPI inflation to fall to 2.0% by 2018 Q4. The latest data show CPI inflation was 2.5% in July. The OBR expect nominal wage growth to increase in each year of their forecast, with growth over 3.5% by 2021. They expect these increases to occur alongside CPI falling back towards 2%, with real wages growing from 2018. Nonetheless, the Government recognises the strain on household budgets from the recent period of elevated inflation. The Government has helped with the cost of living by increasing the National Living Wage, raising the personal allowance, freezing duty on fuel and alcohol and tackling housing costs.

Development Aid

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the amount of Official Development Assistance to be allocated by the (a) Foreign and Commonwealth Office, (b) Department for Business, Enterprise and Industrial Strategy, (c) Home Office, (d) Department of Health, (e) Ministry of Defence, (f) Prosperity Fund and (g) Conflict Stability and Security Fund in (i) 2018-19 and (ii) 2019-20.

Elizabeth Truss: I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given on 6 September (PQ169713).

Development Aid

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what share of the UK's Official Development Assistance budget is planned to be delivered (a) through and (b) outside of the Department for International Development in (i) 2018-19 and (ii) 2019-20.

Elizabeth Truss: The government will publish this information in due course.

Apprentices: Taxation

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the total receipts collected from the apprenticeship levy were in the 2017-18 financial year.

Mel Stride: Monthly receipts data for the Apprenticeship Levy is published by HM Revenue & Customs in their Tax & NIC Receipts publication which can be found online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hmrc-tax-and-nics-receipts-for-the-uk In 2017-18, £2.3bn of levy receipts was collected.

Revenue and Customs: Correspondence

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to ensure that people receive prompt responses from HMRC caseworkers on (a) inheritance tax payments and (b) other matters.

Mel Stride: Since 6 April 2018, 95.65% of new Inheritance Tax accounts submitted to HMRC are processed within 15 working days. This enables the customer to obtain Grant of Representation.In April 2018, HMRC changed its account handling process in response to customer feedback. Now, if a compliance check is required, HMRC will write to the customer and provide them with a timeline and a date indicating how long the check will take.For the week ending 31 August 2018, HMRC responded to 66.38% of inheritance tax post within 15 working days. In order to bring performance in line with the target of responding to 80% of post within 15 working days, additional resource has been deployed.

Revenue and Customs: Correspondence

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the average amount of time is for a person to receive a response from HMRC caseworkers for queries on (a) inheritance tax payments and (b) other subjects; and whether his Department has any target times for such responses to be sent.

Mel Stride: HMRC aims to respond to 80% of correspondence within 15 working days and answer telephone calls within an average time of 5 minutes.Since 6 April 2018, 95.65% of new Inheritance Tax accounts submitted to HMRC are processed within 15 working days. This enables the customer to obtain Grant of Representation.If compliance checks are required, then HMRC will write to the customer and provide them with a timeline and a date indicating how long the checks will take.For the week ending 31 August 2018, HMRC responded to 66.38% of inheritance tax post within 15 working days. We answered the phone within an average of 5 minutes

Emergency Services: Vehicles

Peter Dowd: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate his Department has made of the number of emergency service staff using emergency vehicles for private use that have been affected by the changes to taxable benefits: asset made available without transfer introduced in the Finance Act 2017.

Mel Stride: The government has already announced it will be introducing changes to provide transitional protection, retrospective to 6 April 2017, to mitigate the impact to users of emergency vehicles of the changes to the taxation of assets made available without transfer.

Prime Minister

Members: Correspondence

Dawn Butler: To ask the Prime Minister, when her office plans fully to respond to the letters of the hon. Member for Brent Central of (a) 18 April 2018 on Windrush landing cards, (b) 20 April 2018 on next steps to address the Windrush scandal, (c) 30 April 2018 on deportation flights and (d) 18 May 2018 on the lack of responses to previous letters of the hon. Member for Brent Central.

Mrs Theresa May: Replies have been sent by my Rt Hon Friend, the Minister of State for Immigration.

Ministry of Defence

Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 16 of his Department’s Annual Report and Accounts 2017-18, what infrastructure work is being carried out at RAF Marham to support the arrival of the F-35s; what the timetable is for the completion of that work; and what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of that work.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: Significant infrastructure work is being undertaken at RAF Marham to support the F-35, including the development of new squadron, training and maintenance facilities and the refurbishment of much of the airfield operating surfaces. A significant amount of this work was completed in preparation for the arrival of the first Lightning F35-B aircraft in June 2018. The majority of the remaining work at RAF Marham will be completed later this year and the final element is scheduled for completion in 2023. The estimated cost for this work is £550 million.

Trident Missiles

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will seek parliamentary approval prior to any decision to bring Trident missiles back to Quick Reaction Alert status or to re-target those missiles; and if he will make a statement.

Gavin Williamson: As stated in the 2015 Strategic Defence Security Review "Our submarines on patrol are at several days notice to fire and, since 1994, we do not target our missiles at any state." For reasons of safeguarding national security the posture of the UK independent nuclear weapons system is not divulged.

Trident

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the effect of the 1998 Reservation on Protocol 1 (1977) to the Geneva Conventions on the Government's policy that Trident is compliant with International and Humanitarian Law; and if he will make a statement.

Gavin Williamson: The position of the United Kingdom remains that the rules introduced by the Protocol apply exclusively to conventional weapons without prejudice to any other rules of international law applicable to other types of weapons. In particular, the rules so introduced do not have any effect on and do not regulate or prohibit the use of nuclear weapons.

Armed Forces: Pensions

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many former service personnel are in receipt of (a) service disability pensions and (b) other service pensions in (i) the Liverpool City Region and (ii) Liverpool, Walton constituency.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: Information regarding former Service personnel in receipt of Armed Forces Pension Scheme payments in both the Liverpool City Region and the Walton constituency is not readily available and I will write to the hon. Member with the information shortly.

Armed Forces: Catering

Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many chefs there are in the (a) Army (b) Royal Navy and (c) Royal Air Force.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: As of 4 September 2018, the number of chefs broken down by Service is shown below:Number of Chefs by ServiceRoyal Navy710   Army1,210Royal Air Force440   Royal Marines50Total 2,410   Notes: Figures are rounded to the nearest 10, but when ending in a 5 rounded to the nearest 20 to avoid systemic bias.

Military Exercises

Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the average number of days spent on exercise has been for a second lieutenant in each regiment of the Army in each of the last five years.

Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the average number of days spent on exercise has been for a lieutenant in each regiment of the Army in each of the last five years.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

War Widows: Compensation

Sir David Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make it his policy to restore compensation for war widows who remarried between 1973 and 2005.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: We recognise the unique commitment that Service families make to our country and remain sympathetic to the circumstances of this group of widows.I can advise that Ministry of Defence officials continue to consider potential options given the financial and legal considerations faced by the Department. This work is on-going and any recommendations will require the agreement of other Government Departments.

Fires: Moorland

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what role the Ministry of Defence Fire Services undertook during firefighting operations near Saddleworth Moor between June 2018 and July 2018; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Lancaster: Defence provided approximately 100 soldiers from 4th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, to support the Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service operation responding to the Saddleworth Moor fires between June and July 2018. The Defence Fire Risk Management Organisation (DFRMO) oversaw the training and equipment requirements for the Defence personnel involved.

Armoured Fighting Vehicles: Weather

Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the performance of the Foxhound in extreme heat.

Stuart Andrew: In common with other vehicles deployed on operations, the availability of Foxhound in high-temperature environments is subject to regular monitoring. Reliability data confirms that Foxhound availability continues to meet operational requirements.

Burma: Military Aid

Jo Stevens: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the cost to the public purse was of training an assistance provided by the armed forces to the Myanmar military in the last five years.

Mark Lancaster: On 19 September 2017, the UK announced the suspension of our defence cooperation with Burma until there is an acceptable resolution to the current situation in Rakhine.Our previous bilateral military cooperation consisted only of educational courses focused on governance, accountability, ethics, human rights and international law. That programme ran between 2014 and 2017. The UK has not provided any form of combat training - prohibited under the EU Arms Embargo - to the Burmese Military.Over the previous five years, a total of £816,415 was spent on that programme, funded from a mix of Defence Engagement budgets and the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF).

Ministry of Defence Police

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the establishment and command structure by rank of the Ministry of Defence Police is; and at what locations they are deployed.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: As at 31 August 2018, the complement of the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) was 2,800 deployed at 53 locations across the UK and Northern Ireland, the details of which I am withholding on grounds of safeguarding national security. The MDP's senior Command Structure is comprised of the Chief Constable, Deputy Chief Constable, Senior Civil Service 1star and two Assistant Chief Constables. These officers are located at the force HQ, Wethersfield, Essex.

Department for Work and Pensions

Universal Credit: Complaints

Danielle Rowley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how much money has been spent from the public purse on universal credit complaint resolution since that benefit was established.

Alok Sharma: The Department does not collect data solely in relation to the cost of Universal Credit complaint resolution. The cost of resolving these complaints includes support costs, management and corporate overheads. These costs cannot be split out from overall Departmental spending, and therefore an amount spent on complaints is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Personal Independence Payment: Glasgow

Ged Killen: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the causes of unsuccessful transfers from disability living allowance to personal independence payments in the Glasgow area, and if will she make a statement.

Ged Killen: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department has taken to investigate the causes of the high proportion of unsuccessful transfers of disability living allowance claiminats to personal independence payments in the Glasgow area.

Sarah Newton: Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has different eligibility criteria and takes a more holistic view of a person’s health condition or disability and the impact it has on their ability to live an independent life, compared to Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Therefore, when someone on DLA is invited to claim PIP and is reassessed, the level of their award may stay the same, go up, down or cease altogether depending on the claimants assessed level of needs. Source: Stat-Xplore – www.stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk

Universal Credit

Angela Crawley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to simplify the universal credit application process.

Alok Sharma: Universal Credit is transforming the welfare system by replacing six key in-work and out-of-work benefits and making work pay. It removes the cliff edges and complicated hours rules of the existing legacy benefits system which is characterised by overlaps and duplication involving different national and local agencies. Claimants have to contact each agency separately and the complex combination of six different benefits often results in claimants not being aware of what they are entitled to. Simplification of welfare through Universal Credit will lead to increased take-up of entitlement as only one application is required where previously there may have been several. This will be worth £2.4billion per year for claimants when Universal Credit is fully rolled out, as set out in the Universal Credit Full Business Case Summary. Data shows that 98% of claims are made online, and claimants can contact their work coach at any point during their claim via email and their online journal if they require further help, or can call the Freephone (since November 2017) Universal Credit helpline. The Department continues to review and improve the service for all people who claim Universal Credit to ensure that it is accessible and responsive to their needs. We have introduced online systems changes to allow claimants to upload self-employed earnings, verify their childcare costs and apply for advances, all of which make it even easier for claimants to apply for Universal Credit. Our roll-out of a ‘landlord portal’ improves communication with landlords and makes it easier and quicker to verify housing costs.

State Retirement Pensions: EU Nationals

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether the framework for state pensions in respect of work carried out by non-UK EU citizens in the UK will remain in place after the UK leaves the EU.

Guy Opperman: There are no plans to change the conditions of entitlement to UK state pension, which is based on an individual’s national insurance record. The Government has previously reached an agreement with the EU on citizens’ rights in negotiations on the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. Subject to overall agreement and subject to reciprocity, the current structure of the EU social security co-ordination rules will continue to apply to EU and UK nationals covered by the Withdrawal Agreement.

Children: Maintenance

Dr Philippa Whitford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the average time was for arrears to be (a) assessed and (b) applied in relation to cases transferred from the Child Support Agency to the Child Maintenance Service.

Justin Tomlinson: In the spirit of answering the question let me briefly describe the approach to assessing and applying arrears. On our old CSA systems we need to undertake action to ensure that we are assured the arrears amount is as accurate as possible before we trigger the movement of the amount to our new CMS IT systems. Once movement has been triggered our CMS caseworkers need to review the amount and apply it to the CMS case/scheduled for payment. Since April -18 the average time taken to apply arrears was 81.03 days, for work completed in August 18 the time taken has reduced to 62.15 days.

Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many households in (a) Birkenhead constituency, (b) Liverpool City Region, and (c) the UK, have been subject to under-occupation penalty; and how many and what proportion of those households contained (i) one and (ii) more than one disabled person.

Justin Tomlinson: As at March 2018, there were: a) 1,220 households in Birkenhead constituency who had a deduction made from their Housing Benefit due to the removal of the spare room subsidy. Of these, there were 860 (71%) where the claimant or partner was receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). It is not possible to ascertain the number of disabled people in each of these households. b) 17,490 households in Liverpool City Region who had a deduction made from their Housing Benefit due to the removal of the spare room subsidy. Of these, there were 12,350 (71%) where the claimant or partner was receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). It is not possible to ascertain the number of disabled people in each of these households. c) 387,160 households in Great Britain who had a deduction made from their Housing Benefit due to the removal of the spare room subsidy. Of these, there were 269,150 (70%) where the claimant or partner was receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). It is not possible to ascertain the number of disabled people in each of these households. The Government has provided easements to allow an additional bedroom for couples and children who are unable to share a bedroom due to their disability or medical condition and are in receipt of a relevant qualifying benefit, or where a non-resident overnight carer (or group of carers) is required for an adult, child or non-dependant adult on a regular basis.

Food Banks

Alison Thewliss: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what information her Department holds on the level of food bank usage in (a) areas with full service universal credit and (b) areas where universal credit has not been fully rolled-out.

Justin Tomlinson: The Department does not hold information on the number of people using food banks: however, we are constantly reviewing research carried out by organisations, including the Trussell Trust, to add to our understanding of food bank use, and will consider requirements to add to our evidence base.

Universal Credit: Housing

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of withholding (a) housing benefit and (b) the housing component of Universal Credit from landlords who fail to make repair works requested by tenants.

Justin Tomlinson: No assessment has been made on the merits of withholding Housing Benefit or Housing Element (UC) to Landlords who fail to make repair works requested by Tenants.We continue to work closely with landlords, local authorities, housing associations and other organisations.

Universal Credit

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions,  whether her Department has plans to record the number of universal credit claimants that are referred to food banks by job centres.

Justin Tomlinson: Jobcentre Plus does not make direct referrals to food banks, but offers a signposting service to customers who have expressed an interest in using a food bank. The Department has no plans to require Jobcentre staff to record the number of Universal Credit claimants that are signposted to food banks.

Universal Credit

Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to resolve payment (a) errors and (b) delays in relation to people claiming universal credit in 2018.

Alok Sharma: Around 80 per cent of new claims are paid in full and on time. In many cases where full payment is not made on time, it is due to unresolved issues such as: claimants not accepting their Claimant Commitment or passing identity checks, or having outstanding verification issues, such as housing costs and self-employed earnings. Verification is a necessary part of any benefits system, and taxpayers expect these measures to be in place; we must make sure we are paying the right people the right amount. We have taken steps to improve verification processes. For example, we have listened to feedback and built processes into the system to make it easier and quicker for people to verify their housing costs, for example through the landlord portal. Whilst their verification is on-going, many claimants receive a part payment for those elements of the claim that have been resolved. We published an ad hoc statistical release on 9 July which showed, for new claims due a payment in February 2018, 95% were paid in full within five weeks of the payment due date. Advances are available to provide financial support until the first payment and can now be repaid over a course of 12 months and can consist of up to 100 per cent of the indicative monthly award. We have also abolished waiting days and now provide 2 weeks of housing support to claimants moving to Universal Credit from Housing Benefit. If a claim has been delayed due to error, DWP can consider awarding an ex-gratia payment, as set out in the Financial Redress for Maladministration guide, available on gov.uk

Department for Work and Pensions: Brexit

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the total cost to the public purse for her Department’s work preparing for the UK to leave the EU has been since 23 June 2016.

Alok Sharma: The Department for Exiting the European Union is carrying out detailed work with departments to prepare for leaving the EU and coordinating planning. Members of staff across the Department for Work and Pensions provide advice and analysis on EU Exit issues as required. Given the interactions between EU exit work and the Department’s other priorities, it is not possible to provide the information requested. We can confirm that no additional funding has been sought or provided to the Department by HM Treasury for EU exit preparations. HM Treasury has assigned over £2 billion of additional funding to departments and the Devolved Administrations for EU exit preparations so far. This breaks down as: £412m of additional funding over the spending review period for the Department for Exiting the European Union, Department for International Trade and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office at Autumn Statement 2016. £286m of additional funding for 17/18 (a full breakdown of which can be found in Supplementary Estimates 17/18).https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/679738/PU2137_Supplementary_estimates_web.pdf. Over £1.5bn of additional funding for 18/19. A full breakdown of which can be found in the Chief Secretary’s Written Ministerial Statement, HCWS540, laid on 13 March 2018: https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-statement/Commons/2018-03-13/HCWS540/

Department for Work and Pensions: Brexit

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate she has made of the cost to her Department of leaving the EU in accordance with (a) the proposals set out in the Government’s White Paper and (b) a no-deal scenario.

Alok Sharma: The Government continues undertaking planning for all EU exit scenarios, as is prudent for such a significant issue. At Autumn Budget 2017, the Chancellor set aside £1.5 billion of additional funding for EU Exit preparations in 2019/20. Departments will be invited to bid for 2019/20 EU Exit preparation funding later in the year. Details of timings and process will be announced in due course. The Department for Work and Pensions continues to work closely with the Department for Exiting the European Union to ensure consistency of plans across government.

Children: Maintenance

Stephen Gethins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many non-resident parents are in maintenance arrears through the Child Maintenance Service; and what amount of money is outstanding in such arrears in North East Fife constituency.

Justin Tomlinson: The department does hold data on the number of non-resident parents who are in maintenance arrears through the Child Maintenance Service and the amount of money which is outstanding in such cases. However this information is not routinely collated at constituency level and could only be provided at a disproportionate cost. You may be interested in the Child Maintenance Service Statistics: Regional Tables which are published quarterly. These tables contain the number of parents using the service and measures of compliance for the Collect and Pay service at local authority level. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/child-maintenance-service-aug-2013-to-mar-2018-experimental

Children: Maintenance

Douglas Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many paying parents are in maintenance arrears through the Child Maintenance Service in Dunfermline and West Fife constituency; and what the value of those such arrears is.

Justin Tomlinson: The Department does hold data on the number of non-resident parents who are in maintenance arrears through the Child Maintenance Service and the amount of money which is outstanding in such cases. However this information is not routinely collated at constituency level and could only be provided at a disproportionate cost. You may be interested in the Child Maintenance Service Statistics: Regional Tables which are published quarterly. These tables contain the number of parents using the service and measures of compliance for the Collect and Pay service at local authority level. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/child-maintenance-service-aug-2013-to-mar-2018-experimental

State Retirement Pensions: Females

Douglas Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department has had discussions with WASPI campaign groups on the time taken for complaints raised by women affected by measures taken to equalise the state pension age to be dealt with by her Department; and if she will make a statement.

Guy Opperman: Under successive governments, individual departments have set up complaints procedures. The Department for Work and Pensions has a two tier complaints process which considers formal complaints about our service. As outlined on GOV.UK, DWP complaints processes encourages customers in the first instance to raise their issues with the office they are dealing with, as a business as usual contact, so we put things right. If the customer remains unhappy with the response, they can escalate their concerns, which will be dealt with by the Complaints Resolution Team as part of the formal DWP complaints process. The complaint is independently investigated. Where cases cannot be resolved to the customer’s satisfaction, the customer can escalate their complaint to the Director General as part of the tier two complaint process. Escalated complaints represent the final business review and response to the complaint.Once a complainant has exhausted the DWP complaint process they are signposted to the Independent Case Examiner’s (ICE) Office if they are dissatisfied with the final response to their complaint. Complaints received from women born in the 1950s and affected by changes in State Pension age are handled in line with the overall Departmental complaints process published on GOV.UK. The role of the Independent Case Examiner (ICE) is to consider case-specific complaints of maladministration (service failure). The vast majority of the complaints that are referred to ICE are complex and require the circumstances of each case to be considered on its merits. Prior to the WASPI campaign the ICE Office routinely accepted in the region of 1,100 and 1,200 complaints for examination each year. At the end of February 2018, the Office had accepted 1,907 WASPI complaints alone. In January 2017, the ICE Office took the decision to bring a lead case into investigation in order to familiarise itself with the issues underpinning the campaign. This investigation concluded in June 2017 – the ICE did not uphold the complaint. Whilst the Office has had no additional resource to deal with the WASPI campaign complaints, a dedicated team of investigation case managers was established (from within existing resources) in October 2017 to investigate this group of complaints. The ICE Office aim to complete investigation within 20 weeks of starting work on a case, the WASPI related ICE reports that had been concluded to date have been completed within an average of 9.75 weeks. To date, the ICE had not upheld any case specific complaints that DWP failed to provide adequate and timely information relating to the increase in their State Pension age. All final ICE reports explain how the complainant can escalate their complaint to the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s Office. There are no plans to dedicate additional resources to investigating this group of complaints, as to do so would disadvantage other groups of complainants whose cases are awaiting investigation. The Parliamentary Health and Service Ombudsman make final decisions on complaints that have not been resolved by UK Government Departments. This was set up in 1967 under the then Labour Government.

Children: Maintenance

Peter Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many non-resident parents are in maintenance arrears through the Child Maintenance Service; how many of those non-resident parents are in the Glenrothes constituency; and how much money is outstanding in those arrears.

Justin Tomlinson: The number of non-resident parents that are in maintenance arrears through the Child Maintenance Service is published in Table 7: of The Child Maintenance Statistics, available on line at; https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/child-maintenance-service-aug-2013-to-mar-2018-experimental The department does hold data on the amount of money which is outstanding in such cases. However this information is not routinely collated at constituency level and could only be provided at a disproportionate cost. You may also be interested in the Child Maintenance Service Statistics: Regional Tables which are published quarterly at the link above. These tables contain the number of parents using the service and measures of compliance for the Collect and Pay service at local authority level.

Access to Work Programme

Dr David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, on what date he approved the 2018-19 budget for the Access to Work programme.

Sarah Newton: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Access to Work Programme

Dr David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people with a disability have been denied an Access to Work grant at the point of contact.

Sarah Newton: The information is not available. An Access to Work application would normally be refused at point of contact if the applicant was not eligible for Access to Work. This might be because they were not in work or about to start work, or that they were not disabled.

Personal Independence Payment

Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the effect on the level of personal independence payment award of the amendments to the illustrative example in section 1.5.2. Part 2 of the personal independence payment assessment guide for assessment providers made on 16 July 2017.

Sarah Newton: There was no publication of the Personal Independence Payment Assessment Guide (PIPAG) on 16 July 2017. The latest update was 16 July 2018. Section 1.5.2 can be found in Part 1 of the PIPAG at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-1-the-assessment-process#paper-based-reviews This section does not contain illustrative examples and no amendments were made to this section for the publication 16 July 2018.

Universal Credit

Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the draft Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) (Managed Migration) Regulations 2018, which criteria her Department used to calculate the proposed flat rate of £80 per month to cover the shortfall to claimants' income moving from Employment Support Allowance to universal credit.

Alok Sharma: As outlined in the Explanatory Memorandum submitted to Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC), the £80 per month flat rate payment is an additional transitional payment to support people who have a disability and who live alone. In setting the rate for this additional payment, we have had regard to the rates of Severe Disability Premium, and also have taken into account whether the claimant receives additional support through being in the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity Group (LCWRA) as part of their Universal Credit award. This is due to the policy design of Universal Credit, and the LCWRA payment, which is set at a much higher rate than its Employment and Support Allowance equivalent to ensure financial support, is available for those who are severely disabled. Full details on the method of calculation can be found in the documents sent to the SSAC at:https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/moving-claimants-to-universal-credit-from-other-working-age-benefits We are committed to ensuring severely disabled claimants have transitional protection during their migration from the legacy system. These changes and the protection proposed in the the Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) (Managed Migration) Amendment Regulations 2018, will be subject to Parliamentary approval.

Social Security Benefits: Terminal Illnesses

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 19 July 2018  to Question 164292, what the average waiting time was to process a DS1500 form in each (a) constituent part and (b) region of the UK in each of the last seven years.

Sarah Newton: The information requested is not collated centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. The DS1500 is not a claim form and its use in providing evidential support for claims from people who are terminally ill claiming benefit is not obligatory.

Members: Correspondence

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when she plans to respond to the email of 3 July 2018 from the hon. Member for Slough to her Department's Southern England Group Operations Correspondence Team, reference TD3826.

Alok Sharma: Replies were sent by email to the hon. Member for Slough on 6 and 10 September 2018.

Universal Credit: Scotland

Chris Stephens: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions her Department has had with (a) Glasgow Housing Association, (b) Southside Housing Association, (c) Elderpark Housing Association, (d) Glenoaks Housing Association, (e) Govan Housing Association, (f) Linthouse Housing Association, (g) Rosehill Housing Association, (h) Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association, (i) Home Group Scotland and (j) Blackwood Housing on (i) service rollout of universal credit and (ii) access to the Landlord Portal; and if she will make a statement.

Alok Sharma: Following the successful pilot of the Landlord Portal Service, DWP is enrolling more landlords in stages, in tandem with the expansion of Universal Credit Full Service. Priority has been placed on enrolling the largest landlords that are eligible where possible in order to maximise the number of Universal Credit claimants that can be handled via the portal. By December 2018 we will have covered 90% of social tenancies on the portal, and we are looking at how best to complete rollout for small landlords. Representatives from all the organisations listed have been invited to Universal Credit Full Service events, jointly hosted by DWP and Glasgow City Council, with the vast majority attending. Those that have not attended have had follow up calls or visits and will be invited to future events. All Registered Social Landlords have now been given escalation contacts for each Jobcentre, and we will continue to work closely with landlords, local authorities, housing associations and other organisations to ensure the successful rollout of Universal Credit.

Department for Work and Pensions: Telephone Services

Chris Stephens: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent discussions her Department has had with (a) Ofcom and (b) the Phone-paid Services Authority on call connection service access to the helplines her Department provides; and if she will make a statement.

Justin Tomlinson: Officials from the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), have met with both Ofcom and the Phone-paid Services Authority. Officials from DWP have provided evidence that informed the recently announced Ofcom consultation on the review of the Premium Rate Services Condition.

Social Security Benefits: Scotland

Martin Whitfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 23 July 2018 to Question 165149, on Social Security Benefits: Scotland, how many claimants have outstanding benefit overpayment debts that are to be devolved to Scotland which are attributable to (a) overpayment and (b) fraud debts.

Justin Tomlinson: Current data shows that there are 16,457 claimants with overpayments debts that are due to be devolved to Scottish Government. Of this total, 1,079 have overpayment debts classified as Fraud.

Cold Weather Payments: North Wales

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of using an alternative weather station to the Mona weather station when determining eligibility for cold weather payments for postcode areas LL33 and LL54-LL61.

Justin Tomlinson: The linkages between postcodes and weather stations are reviewed every year, with the last review being submitted in July 2018. In addition to this year’s review I have commissioned a supplementary review of the LL33 and LL54-61 postcodes, which will be communicated when the Met Office have finalised their thorough re-assessment of the postcodes links.

Bereavement Support Payment

Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many families have claimed the (a) higher and (b) lower rate of bereavement support since 6 April 2017 in (i) England, (ii) the North West, (iii) Merseyside and (iv) Wallasey constituency.

Justin Tomlinson: The information requested is not currently available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

Universal Credit

Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many universal credit conditionality easements have been applied to claimants suffering a bereavement following the death of a partner, child or qualifying young person since April 2017.

Alok Sharma: The information requested is not collected centrally and would only be available at disproportionate cost.

Pensioners: Personal Independence Payment

Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people in Scotland over the age of 65 have been (a) invited to move from disability living allowance to personal independence payment and (b) referred to the assessment provider as part of that reassessment process.

Sarah Newton: The specific information requested could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Pensioners: Personal Independence Payment

Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many claimants of personal independence payment in Scotland over the age of 65 have been (a) sent an AR1 for a review of their award and (b) referred to the assessment provider as part of that review process.

Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many personal independence payment (PIP) claimants in Scotland over the age of 65 have had their award (a) increased, (b) reduced and (c) unchanged under the PIP review process.

Sarah Newton: Once a claimant has been awarded Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which can be paid at one of eight rates, that award will be reviewed periodically. Reviews are a key part of the benefit and ensure that not only do awards remain correct where needs may change, including where needs become greater, but that we also maintain contact with the claimant. Importantly, the length of an award is based on an individual’s circumstances and can vary from nine months to an ongoing award, with a light touch review at the ten-year point. Additionally, in August 2018, we introduced updated guidance for Case Managers which will ensure that those who receive the highest level of support under PIP, and where their needs are unlikely to change or may get worse, will now receive an ongoing award with a light touch review at the ten year point.The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

Bereavement Support Payment

Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what support his Department provides for unmarried bereaved parents and their children who are ineligible for bereavement support payments.

Justin Tomlinson: People not entitled to Bereavement Support Payment may be entitled to income-related benefits which provide longer term assistance with everyday living costs. Those in receipt of a means-tested benefit or tax credits may qualify for a Funeral Expenses Payment if they are responsible for arranging a funeral. Families with dependent children can also receive benefits for their children such as Child Benefit. Information about all benefits can be found on the GOV.UK website. Jobcentre Plus staff are best placed to discuss individual circumstances and help claim any benefits. They may also be able to point people in the direction of other organisations that could be of assistance, such as Citizens Advice who can offer independent financial advice.

Universal Credit: Disability

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to assess whether the first phase of managed migration to universal credit is being managed effectively for disabled claimants.

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to identify (a) disabled people and (b) other vulnerable groups that will require additional support to make a new claim for universal credit during the managed migration.

Alok Sharma: We are working closely with stakeholders to discuss the best solution to protect all claimants through the managed migration process. The draft Regulations have been out for consultation with the Social Security Advisory Committee and we look forward to their detailed advice which we will consider alongside all the other stakeholder contributions we receive. The regulations will come before Parliament in the autumn, and during 2019 we will test and refine our processes on a small scale to ensure they are working well before we take on larger volumes from 2020 onwards, and complete the process in 2023. Our plans already include a process to ensure that, before the existing benefits are stopped, agents will check for evidence of complex needs or vulnerability or disability to safeguard these claimants.

Universal Credit

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the effect of the proposed rates of transitional payments for universal credit on the financial situation of individuals receiving severe disability premium; and if she will make a statement.

Alok Sharma: As outlined in the Explanatory Memorandum submitted to Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC), the £80 per month flat rate payment is an additional transitional payment to support people who have a disability and who live alone. In setting the rate for this additional payment, we have had regard to the rates of Severe Disability Premium, and also have taken into account whether the claimant receives additional support due to having limited capability to undertake work related activity, because the level of support for these claimants is set higher than the equivalent level under Employment and Support Allowance.

Universal Credit

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Explanatory Memorandum to the draft Universal Credit (Transitional Protection) (Managed Migration) Amendment Regulations 2018, what methodology her Department used to estimate the number of claimants that will move from legacy benefits to universal credit through managed migration.

Alok Sharma: To estimate the number of claimants that will move from legacy benefits to Universal Credit through managed migration, the Department uses a complex dynamic micro-simulation model, called INFORM. This is based on taking a sample of the current benefit caseload, and estimating the likelihood of various changes of circumstances occurring each month, to project future volumes of Universal Credit claims and natural migrations. The managed migration volumes are based on the numbers of people who we expect will not have had a change of circumstance, and therefore not have left their current benefit or naturally migrated to Universal Credit.

Universal Credit: Disability

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she has made an assessment of the experience of disabled people using the digital gateway for universal credit.

Alok Sharma: The published Universal Credit Claimant Survey found that 98 per cent of claimants did claim online and the majority of those said they found the claim process overall to be easy. Universal Credit has been designed with accessibility in mind, and it has been audited and approved by the RNIB for all accessibility needs. Face to face and telephony support is in place for those vulnerable claimants who cannot self-serve online and the Universal Credit telephone helpline is a free phone number. We are continuing to implement improvements to help ensure all claimants have the support they need to use the service. This includes for example, reviewing how Universal Support operates, which already provides claimants with additional help to use a computer to make or maintain their claim (Assisted Digital Support) and help in managing their monthly Universal Credit payment and possible advice on their finances (Personal Budgeting Support). We are examining feedback from providers and users as part of this. Furthermore, where our customers need assistance to access our services and information, we can make reasonable adjustments to meet their individual needs. This means that for example, the Department can communicate with customers in a variety of different formats such as Braille, audio, large print, through third party interpreters or by arranging for a member of staff to visit the customer in their home.

State Retirement Pensions: Females

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent estimate she has made of the number of women (a) receiving jobseeker's allowance and (b) in rent arrears as a result of changes to the state pension age.

Alok Sharma: Equalisation of the State Pension age affects all women born after 6th April 1950. Data on claimants in receipt of jobseekers allowance by age band and gender is available on NOMIS: https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/ The data can be found by accessing the link and clicking ‘Query data’ followed by ‘Jobseeker’s Allowance’ and ‘Jobseeker’s Allowance by age and duration’. The gender and age bands of interest can then be selected and the data accessed by completing the selections desired and clicking ‘Download Data.’ The information requested regarding rent arrears is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Women against State Pension Inequality

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 16 July 2018 to Question 162589 on WASPI, whether she plans to meet with representatives of the WASPI campaign in the future.

Guy Opperman: The Secretary of State has no plans to meet with representatives of the WASPI campaign.

Children: Maintenance

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the timescale is for removing the experimental status of quarterly Child Maintenance Service statistics.

Justin Tomlinson: Experimental badging is used so that users and stakeholders can be involved in the assessment of the publications’ suitability and quality while it is being developed. We are still expanding the Child Maintenance Service Publication and will be performing a full review of our overall Child Maintenance publication strategy over the next 6 months in the light of the completion of the Child Support Agency case closure process. Once those changes are complete we plan to release Child Maintenance Service statistics under standard Official Statistics guidelines in 2019.

Department for Work and Pensions: Databases

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the paper, Strategy for the publication of information about the 2012 scheme, updated 30 November 2016, whether the Data Warehouse has been replaced by the new Data and Analytics Platform.

Alok Sharma: Significant progress has been made in designing a new approach to the delivery of data analytical platforms. This has been successfully deployed in Universal Credit with work underway in Pensions and Finance. Development of the new Data and Analytics platform for Children was originally planned to complete in late 2017 but was delayed. However, transformation has now begun of the current 2012 Data Warehouse to this new platform and we expect to complete this work in 2020.

Child Maintenance Service: Fees and Charges

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the monthly receipts accrued to the public purse were from (a) the fee charged for applications to the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), (b) the collection fee for paying parents using the CMS Collect and Pay service, (c) the collection fee for receiving parents using the CMS Collect and Pay service and (d) enforcement fees levied on paying parents in each month since March 2017.

Justin Tomlinson: Information on fees in the financial year to date will not be available until audit of the 2017/18 Client Funds Account has been completed.

Child Maintenance Service: Fees and Charges

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate she has made of the money that will accrue to the public purse of the (a) fee charged for applications to the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), (b) collection fee for paying parents using the CMS Collect and Pay service, (c) collection fee for receiving parents using the CMS Collect and Pay service and (d) enforcement fees levied on paying parents in (i) 2019-20 and (ii) 2020-21.

Justin Tomlinson: We are not able to provide details of estimates for receipts to the public purse from Child Maintenance Service charges for 2019-20 and 2020-21 as these figures will comprise part of the Spending Review which has yet to be agreed.

Department for Work and Pensions: Gardening Leave

Sir Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many staff of her Department have been absent from work on full pay for more than twelve consecutive months.

Justin Tomlinson: As at 31 July 2018, the latest date for which data is available, there were no members of the Department’s staff who were absent from work on full pay for more than twelve consecutive months.

Children: Maintenance

Mary Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of staffing levels working on the Child Maintenance system.

Justin Tomlinson: The numbers of people working within the Child Maintenance Service is reviewed regularly to ensure we have sufficient resources to answer customer calls and progress cases. So far in 2018, we have recruited 510 people into the Child Maintenance Service, with these people joining us between February 2018 and August 2018. We will continue to review the volumes of work against our forecasting model to ensure that we adjust staffing levels as required.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Government Departments: Meat

Ben Lake: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether Government procurement policies permit for non-stun meat to be procured by government departments for consumption on government premises.

George Eustice: The Government Buying Standards for Food and Catering require central government procurers directly, or through their catering contractors, to apply the mandatory animal welfare standards.   GBSF require meat that is served, whether produced in the UK or elsewhere, to be compliant with UK law on standards of production such as the Welfare of Animals at Time of Killing (England) Regulations.   The Government would prefer to see all animals stunned before they are slaughtered for food. However, we also respect the rights of the Jewish and Muslim communities to eat meat prepared in accordance with their religious beliefs.

Meat: Imports

Ben Lake: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the UK imports any non-stun (a) meat and (b) meat products.

Ben Lake: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the Government will be permitting the export of non-stun meat as part of its recently announced trade deal with Saudi Arabia.

George Eustice: The Government does not hold information on method of slaughter for imports as certification of religious slaughter is provided directly between importers and exporters. Religious slaughter can either be stun or non-stun and must comply with EU and England rules on animal welfare. Earlier this year Saudi Arabia lifted disease restrictions on lamb imports from the UK, re-opening that market for UK businesses. Saudi Arabian authorities require lamb imports to be accompanied by a halal certificate issued by an authorised body. Meat from animals stunned at slaughter can be certified as halal.

Chemicals: EU Law

Mrs Kemi Badenoch: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the UK not enforcing the EU's REACH regulations after 29 March 2019 on enabling chemical substance importers to explore alternative regulations.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: We have been engaging with a range of stakeholders, including importers, to understand the impacts of Brexit and deliver the best possible outcome for the industry after we leave. Our priority is to maintain an effective regulatory system for the management and control of chemicals to safeguard human health and the environment, respond to emerging risks and allow trade with the EU that is as frictionless as possible.   That is why we are aiming for a UK-EU free trade area on goods including chemicals. The chemical sector is highly regulated and, as set out in the White Paper ‘The Future Relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union’ published on 12 July 2018, we are seeking participation in the European Chemical Agency (ECHA), accepting its rules including the REACH Regulation, and contributing to its costs. This approach will enable us to meet our objective of ensuring that chemicals only need to be approved once in either market and ensure that UK businesses could continue to register chemical substances directly, rather than working through an EU-based representative.   In the event of a no deal scenario we will ensure an effective regulatory system is in place. The European Union (Withdrawal) Act will convert REACH into domestic law ensuring that those regulations continue to apply in the UK. As part of the Government’s Technical Notices being published later this month, we will be providing further information on our plans for this scenario in order to guide businesses and the public on how they can best prepare for leaving the EU.

Hunting

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps are taken to ensure that damage is not done to public land as a result of hunts.

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps are taken to ensure that the provisions of the Hunting Act 2004 are not violated on public land.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: Anyone who believes an offence is taking place, or has taken place, during a hunt (including any damage on public land) should report the matter to the police as they deal with complaints of illegal hunting. Decisions on the arrest and prosecution of those taking part in illegal hunting activities are matters for the police and prosecuting authorities.

Hunting

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what comparative assessment he has made of the equity of legislation relating to (a) dogs and (b) dogs on hunts on public land.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: No assessment has been made of the equity of legislation relating to dogs and dogs on hunts on public land.

Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control

Dr David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many times a monitor from Natural England visits a proposed culling site to assess whether the weather conditions are suitable for the badger cull in an area to proceed.

George Eustice: During the prolonged period of hot weather in summer 2018, two Supplementary Badger Control licenses were in operation, in West Somerset and West Gloucestershire. Natural England (NE) was in contact with the two Supplementary Badger Control companies on a regular basis during the period of prolonged hot weather. To assess the situation on the ground, NE staff have made three field visits to West Somerset and three field visits to West Gloucestershire. The visits found that best practise was being followed to avoid and mitigate against animals being exposed to extreme weather.

Water: Pollution

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the levels of (a) lead and (b) phosphorus are in the water supply for each regional water authority.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: The Drinking Water Inspectorate receives sampling data for drinking water from water companies formed when the water industry was privatised.   Lead - The results for 2017 are provided in Table 1:-   Company NameParameter Name1 percentile (representing a minimum). Units are microgrammes per litre99 percentile (representing a maximum). Units are microgrammes per litreAffinity Water LtdLead1 7.3044Albion Water LtdLead 0.04 1.55Albion Eco LtdLead 0.11 1.27Anglian Water Services LtdLead0.16 6.3605Bristol Water PlcLead0.03 7.883Cambridge Water Company PlcLead0.05 5.1Cholderton & District Water Company LtdLead 0.2 3.5Dee Valley Water PlcLead0.1 3.779Dwr Cymru Welsh WaterLead0.04 6.152Essex & Suffolk WaterLead0.033 8.53Icosa Water LtdLead 0.18 0.22Independent Water Networks (Eastern)Lead0.03 5.15Northumbrian Water LtdLead0.033 12.45Portsmouth Water PlcLead0.1 14.12Leep Water NetworksLead0.050.29Sembcorp Bournemouth Water LtdLead0.2 3.424SES WaterLead0.2 6.573South East Water PlcLead0.5 9.322Southern Water Services LtdLead0.03 6.8295Scottish and Southern EnergyLead0.03 0.64South Staffordshire Water PlcLead0.05 5.898Severn Trent Water LtdLead0.3345 9.142South West Water LtdLead0.2 10.4524Thames Water Utilities LtdLead0.2 10.267United Utilities Water PlcLead0.05 5.484Veolia Water ProjectsLead1 8.21Wessex Water Services LtdLead0.1 6.187Yorkshire Water Services LtdLead0.03 8.2976

Poultry: Animal Welfare

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many and what proportion of slaughterhouses in the UK are not compliant with the European Union regulation EC 1099/2009 Annex I on stunning poultry in electric water baths.

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of electric waterbaths for stunning poultry that use frequencies outside of the parameters set out in Annex 1 of EC 1099/2009.

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to require post-cut stunning for animals that are slaughtered without being pre-stunned.

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to ensure that the volume supply of non-stun meat meets only the domestic demand of the communities that want to eat it.

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 April 2018 to Questions 133445, 133447 and 133449, on Ritual Slaughter, when his Department plans to publish the results of the Food Standards Authority survey of slaughterhouses and the Halal market; and whether survey includes the amount of non-stun meat exported from the UK.

George Eustice: The information that we have received from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) suggests that currently 3 out of the 50 poultry plants in England and Wales are using non Annex 1 water bath stunning parameters for religious slaughter.   Defra and the Welsh Government commissioned the FSA to carry out a survey on our behalf on how animals are sourced, slaughtered and then distributed in England and Wales. We hope to publish the results of that survey shortly. Any further reforms in this area will be considered in light of the FSA survey.   Where stunning is carried out, including for religious slaughter, it must be effective in rendering the animal unconscious and insensible to pain and the animal must remain unconscious and insensible to pain until death. Where animals are not stunned correctly the FSA will take appropriate action to prevent animals from suffering. The legislation in England permits religious slaughter to be carried out by a Muslim or Jewish person for the food of Muslim or Jewish people respectively.

Waste Management

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to publish the Waste and Resources Strategy.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: We will publish the Resources and Waste Strategy later this year.

EU External Trade: Beef

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect on the UK beef sector of the European Commission’s proposal to allocate a larger share of its hormone-free beef quota to the US.

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect of the potential redistribution of the EU hormone-free beef quota on UK beef exports to the EU in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.

George Eustice: The European Commission submitted a draft negotiating mandate to the Council for approval on 4 September. The draft negotiating directives specify that the Commission may offer the United States a country-specific allocation of a certain proportion of the annual tariff rate quota for High Quality Beef (also known as the EU 481 grain fed quota). They make clear, however, that negotiations should not increase the total volume of the quota or total market access into the European Union. As this nonetheless encompasses a range of potential outcomes, it will not be possible to make an assessment of the impact until the negotiations are concluded and the details of any allocation that may be agreed upon are known.

EU External Trade: Beef

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect of the proposed review of the EU hormone-free beef quota on the allocation of EU and UK tariff rate quotas.

George Eustice: The High Quality Beef quota (also known as the EU 481 grain fed quota) established under the Revised Memorandum of Understanding of 21 October 2013 is an autonomous tariff rate quota not bound in the EU’s World Trade Organisation (WTO) schedule. The review of this quota consequently has no bearing on the apportionment of the tariff rate quotas in the EU’s WTO schedule between the UK and the EU-27.

Chemicals: EU Law

Sue Hayman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the REACH regulations will form part of the common rulebook proposed in the paper, The future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union, Cm 9593.

Sue Hayman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State's evidence to the House of Lords EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee on 18 July 2018, whether it is the policy of the Government to remain a member of the European Chemicals Agency and subject to REACH after the UK leaves the EU.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: As set out in the Government’s White Paper ‘The Future Relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union’ published on 12 July 2018, the Government’s vision is for an economic partnership that includes participation by the UK in those EU agencies that have a central role in facilitating regulations for those highly regulated goods sectors including the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). This would mean accepting the rules of the ECHA including REACH and making an appropriate financial contribution.

Agriculture: Subsidies

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made representations to the European Commission on flexibility for greening and agri-enviroment schemes because of dry weather this summer.

Rosie Duffield: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent representations he has made to the European Commission on introducing flexibility on greening and agri-environment schemes as a result of the 2018 summer’s dry weather.

Rosie Duffield: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what submissions he has received from (a) industry organisations and (b) farmers requesting flexibility in the application of (a) CAP and (b) agri-environment schemes because of the 2018 summer’s dry weather.

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent representations has he received from industry organisations and farmers requesting flexibility in the application of (a) CAP schemes and (b) agri-environment schemes because of dry weather conditions.

Rosie Duffield: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect of the Irish Government’s fodder transport scheme on the (a) price and (b) supply of fodder in the UK.

Peter Kyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what representations he has received from industry organisations and farmers requesting flexibility in the application of CAP schemes or agri-environment schemes, in light of the dry weather in summer 2018.

George Eustice: Farmers in the UK, Ireland and across northern Europe, have experienced a difficult time this year with the hot, dry weather. The impacts are likely to be most severely felt by grazing livestock due to the shortage of grass, but the full effect may not be realised until later in the year. We have prioritised practical solutions to help farmers increase access to fodder and bedding both now and in the coming months. These actions will help farmers to limit the impact of extra feed costs by allocating land to forage growth and grazing, but we will keep the situation under review.   Particular measures the Government has taken to help farmers are:   We have clarified that English farmers, unlike farmers in other EU countries where derogations have been sought, have been able to use fallow land for grazing since 1 July. That is because our legislation reflects what we consider to be the minimum EU requirement.   We were the first Member State to raise a concern with the Commission to establish Ecological Focus Area (EFA) catch crops by 20 August: Other Member States agreed with us and the Commission agreed that “force majeure” would apply in these circumstances, so we could waive penalties for farmers in this situation.   We are seeking a derogation from the requirement to sow only certain seed types which are unpalatable to livestock in EFA areas as catch crop. The derogation we expect to secure shortly will allow for grass and herbaceous forage to be grown in those areas, and for those areas to be grazed.   On Countryside Stewardship, Environmental Stewardship and forestry legacy agreements farmers are able to ask Natural England to agree a temporary variation to the agreement conditions, either as an Environmental Stewardship Derogation (to date, over 130 have been granted) or a Countryside Stewardship Minor and Temporary Adjustment (over 30 have so far been granted). We will allow farmers to derogate temporarily from specific prescriptions to provide bedding, fodder and grazing for livestock without materially affecting the environmental benefits of their agreement.   I will monitor whether the fodder import scheme that has been introduced in Ireland has an appreciable effect on supplies of fodder and bedding within the UK. We have also made the point to the European Commission that whilst the UK is committed to working to identify appropriate responses to this year’s weather impacts, these should not interfere with the normal functioning of the market or obscure the focus of farmers in mitigating weather impacts.   Opportunities such as the ones described above were discussed with a wide range of stakeholders at the National Farmers’ Union “Dry Weather Summit” on 1 August 2018 and we have received some further representations in writing from farming industry organisations. Further discussions took place at the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) Industry Partnership Group meeting in Reading on 20 August 2018. Additionally, a small number of individual farmers have made representations through the RPA’s Helpline. All representations received have been considered in the round and informed the approach we are taking to offering all available support to alleviate the impacts of the recent extreme weather conditions for farmers.

Food and Plants: Imports

Sue Hayman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 16 July 2018 to Question 163122, what steps he is taking to ensure the continuation of food and plant import data recorded and shared using the EU TRACES system in the event of (a) a UK-EU trade deal and (b) the UK leaving the EU without a deal.

George Eustice: The future relationship between the UK and EU is subject to negotiation. This includes UK access to EU systems and databases as part of the Future Economic Partnership. The UK is seeking a close relationship with the EU. This includes facilitating the continued free flow of data to support business activity. We remain confident we will agree a mutually advantageous deal with the EU. It is however the duty of a responsible Government to continue to prepare for a range of potential outcomes. This would include delivering a UK control system for the management of agri-food imports and exports in the event of a no deal scenario.

Agriculture: Trade

Sue Hayman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has for regulations concerning the EU TRACES data recording and sharing system to form part of the common rule book envisaged in the White Paper, The future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union, published in July 2018, Cm 9593.

George Eustice: The future relationship between the UK and EU is subject to negotiation. This includes the scope of the Common Rulebook and UK access to EU systems and databases as part of the Future Economic Partnership. The UK’s proposal for a Common Rulebook on agri-food encompasses rules on goods that must be checked at the border. This would remove the need to undertake additional regulatory checks at the border. In order to support future trade, the UK will need a control system for the management of agri-food imports and exports.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Brexit

Sue Hayman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answers of 24 July 2018 to Questions 166203 and 166207, when he plans to publish the terms of reference, chair, membership and timetable for the comprehensive review of the services provided by the Defra group.

George Eustice: The comprehensive review to which my answers of Questions 166203 and 166207 on 24 July refer, relates to ongoing work underway across Defra to ensure robust plans are in place for the delivery of our preparations for leaving the EU. This is supported by internal work to review the role of Defra and the resources and mechanisms required to deliver on our objectives, following our withdrawal from the EU.

Agriculture: Subsidies

Peter Kyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that support payments are paid by the Rural Payments Agency in a timely manner, in light of the dry weather in summer 2018.

George Eustice: The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) is fully focused on getting Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) 2018 payments issued promptly. Given the prescriptive EU requirements in making advance payments, the RPA will concentrate on making payments from the opening of the payment window in December. In addition we are reviewing options, such as bringing forward bridging payments, for those BPS claimants who will not have received their BPS 2018 payments in December.

Fly-tipping

Sir Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to encourage local authorities to use the powers available to them to seize vehicles used in fly-tipping activities; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many vehicles have been seized because of their being used in fly-tipping activities since that power was introduced; and if he will make a statement.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: The Government is committed to tackling fly-tipping on a number of fronts. In 2015 we gave local authorities stronger powers to stop, search and seize vehicles of those suspected of fly-tipping. It is the responsibility of local authorities to use the powers available to them and we encourage them to do so when appropriate and proportionate. We are adding to these powers and have consulted this year on a new fixed penalty notice for householders who pass their waste to a fly-tipper. The National Fly-tipping Prevention Group has published guidance which sets out clearly the powers available to local authorities and other partners when tackling fly-tipping. The powers were enhanced in March 2015 and the data available since then shows a total of 326 vehicles seized by local authorities in England. 197 vehicles were seized in 2016/17, a 52% increase from 129 vehicles seized in 2015/16. The statistics for 2017/18 are due to be published in October. National fly-tipping statistics are available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fly-tipping-in-england.

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome

Sir Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to reduce the incidence of porcine reproductive respiratory syndrome; and if he will make a statement.

George Eustice: Endemic diseases like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome affect animal health and welfare, as well as productivity. As set out in our 25 Year Environment Plan and the consultation Health and Harmony, the future for food, farming and the environment in a Green Brexit, Defra is working with the livestock industry to reduce significantly the impact of these endemic diseases. We are analysing consultation responses and developing proposals.

Animal Feed: Pigs

Sir Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to alter or repeal the ban on farmers feeding human food waste to pigs; and if he will make a statement.

George Eustice: The Government has no plans to alter or repeal the ban on farmers feeding human food waste to pigs. It is already possible to feed pigs certain food waste originating from food producers, manufacturers and retailers, provided they comprise no prohibited animal by-products. However, the ban on feeding catering waste to pigs needs to stay in place as it can present a serious risk to animal health and has been directly responsible for major notifiable disease outbreaks around the world, including the 2001 foot and mouth disease outbreak in the UK.

Home Office

UK Border Force: Airports

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 23 July 2018 to Question 164381, what information his Department holds on the number of on-duty officers of UK Border Force and its predecessor body who were deployed at airports in each year since 2008.

Caroline Nokes: Details on staffing is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/ho-annual-reports-and-accountsWe will always ensure we have the resources and workforce we need to keep the border secure. Operational units across the Home Office actively monitor workflows to ensure sufficient resources are in place to meet demand.Border Force does not publish port specific information as this may enable a picture of the current work of the Home Office and identify any strength or weakness, thereby compromising the integrity of immigration controls and the planned operational security work being developed.

Asylum: Legal Aid Scheme

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps his Department is taking with the Ministry of Justice to ensure that legal aid availability meets the needs of asylum seekers.

Caroline Nokes: We are committed to delivering an asylum process which supports claimants in providing all information relevant to their claim to facilitate fair and sustainable asylum decisions. All interviewing personnel receive extensive training on interviewing and considering asylum claims, and must follow published Home Office policy guidance.Legal aid remains available for individuals claiming asylum. The Lord Chancellor is also conducting a review of the recent legal aid reforms and the Home Office is inputting into this. The Government is keen to hear from interested parties to establish the impact of these changes, and the findings will be published later this year. The Government also plans to use this opportunity of engagement with stakeholders to inform its wider consideration on the future of legal support in the justice system.

Cybercrime

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the budget for (a) Action Fraud and (b) National Fraud Intelligence Bureau to tackle cyber crime.

Mr Ben Wallace: The response to cyber crime is not the sole responsibility of Action Fraud and the National Fraud Investigation Bureau. In 2018/19 we are investing over £50 million to ensure law enforcement has capabilities it needs to tackle cyber crime at the national, regional and local level.The Action Fraud/ NFIB grant has increased from £6,943,000 in 2016/17 to £8,000,000 in 2017/18.

Immigration Controls: Airports

Alan Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans Border Force has to improve the level of service provided to non-EEA passengers on arrival into the UK.

Caroline Nokes: Border Force is committed to providing the best possible service to all passenger. For example, by maximising staff available at the busiest times of day, making the best use of e-gates, and deploying 220 additional staff over the summer, mostly at Heathrow. Border Force is also recruiting an additional 300 frontline Border Force officers to provide further resilience going forward.Border Force has continued to engage with key stakeholders including airlines and airport operators over the busy summer period to deal with the increasing demand and ensure we keep the border secure.

Immigration: Biometrics

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent estimate his Department has made of the number of cases in which a Biometric Residence Permit is issued more than a month after the visa has been granted.

Caroline Nokes: Figures are not kept in relation to the time it takes a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) to be issued from the date the grant of leave is decided.For applications for further leave or indefinite leave to remain made within the United Kingdom, once the application has been granted applicants are advised that they can expect delivery of their BRP within 10 working days.This timescale takes into account the time it takes for the BRP to be produced by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and the time taken for delivery to the customer.Measures are in place to monitor the production process and to indentify any cases that are stuck within production for any reason and ensure that they are resolved quickly. Over the summer period there were a small number of instances where a BRP was not received within 10 working days. The individuals who were affected by these delays were informed and the issue that had caused the delays is now resolved.

Immigration: Biometrics

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps his Department has taken to ensure that a Biometric Residence Permit is issued within the service standard time after a visa is granted.

Caroline Nokes: Figures are not kept in relation to the time it takes a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) to be issued from the date the grant of leave is decided.For applications for further leave or indefinite leave to remain made within the United Kingdom, once the application has been granted applicants are advised that they can expect delivery of their BRP within 10 working days.This timescale takes into account the time it takes for the BRP to be produced by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and the time taken for delivery to the customer.Measures are in place to monitor the production process and to indentify any cases that are stuck within production for any reason and ensure that they are resolved quickly. Over the summer period there were a small number of instances where a BRP was not received within 10 working days. The individuals who were affected by these delays were informed and the issue that had caused the delays is now resolved.

Home Office: Brexit

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the total cost to the public purse for his Department’s work preparing of the UK to leave the EU has been since 23 June 2016.

Caroline Nokes: The Department spent £70 million during the financial year 2017-18 as per our accounts. For the financial year 2018-19, the Department has received an allocation of £395 million from HM Treasury to continue preparing for the UK to leave the EU.

Home Office: Brexit

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate he has made of the cost to his Department of leaving the EU in accordance with (a) the proposals set out in the Government’s White Paper and (b) a no-deal scenario.

Caroline Nokes: The Department spent £70 million during the financial year 2017-18 as per our accounts. For the financial year 2018-19, the department has received an allocation of £395 million from HM Treasury to continue preparing for the UK to leave the EU. This funding will also cover any no-deal scenario.

Visas

Alan Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many applicants have had a visa issued on a re-application following initial refusal since the removal of automatic right to appeal for refused family visit visas in 2013.

Caroline Nokes: The Home Office does not collate this information for publication.

Female Genital Mutilation: Convictions

David T. C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people have been convicted of offences relating to FGM in the last three years for which figures are available.

Victoria Atkins: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a crime and it is child abuse. The Government is clear that we will not tolerate a practice that can cause extreme and lifelong suffering to women and girls.To date, there have been no convictions for FGM.The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the police have highlighted that barriers to prosecution include a lack of referrals to the police, a lack of information from affected communities, and the age and vulnerability of victims. The Serious Crime Act 2015 introduced a number of measures to help overcome these, including: a new mandatory reporting duty for known cases of FGM in under-18s; extended extra-territorial jurisdiction over FGM offences committed abroad; lifelong anonymity for victims; FGM Protection Orders (FGMPOs), and a new offence of failure to protect a girl from the risk of FGM.In addition, lead FGM prosecutors have been appointed, and the police and CPS have put in place joint FGM investigation and prosecution protocols. Border Force, the police and other agencies regularly carry out joint operations at the border to raise awareness of practices such as FGM to identify and protect potential victims.

British Nationality: Children

Alison Thewliss: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many children have had an application for British citizenship refused due to not fulfilling good character requirements in each year for which information is available.

Caroline Nokes: The available published information on the total number of decisions to refuse applications for British citizenship where the applicant is found to be not of good character are published in Home Office’s Immigration Statistics, year ending June 2018, Citizenship tables cz_09 (Refusals of citizenship by reason) available from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration-statistics-year-ending-june-2018/list-of-tables#citizenship

Official Visits: USA

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the cost to the public purse was for policing the summer visit of the US President.

Mr Nick Hurd: Total policing costs have yet to be finalised. We are working with the police forces directly involved in policing the President’s visit and will consider any applications for Special Grant funding carefully.

Princess Eugenie: Marriage

Tommy Sheppard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether Thames Valley Police made an application for special grant funding for the costs of policing the wedding between Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.

Mr Nick Hurd: No formal application has been received from the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner in respect of this event. However an unusual number of major events have taken place in the police force area this year and we are working with the force to understand the implications. Typically, applications for Special Grant funding are made after an event has taken place, when a full assessment of the costs can be made.

Homelessness: Refugees

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the effect on levels of homelessness of refugees granted discretionary leave to remain with no recourse to public funds.

Caroline Nokes: No assessment has been made.This is because migrants who are recognised as refugees are granted leave to remain with access to public funds. They are therefore eligible to apply for mainstream benefits and assistance from their local authority to find housing.

Asylum: Housing

Mr Paul Sweeney: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether any government contracts for the provision of housing to asylum seekers include options for the payment of a bonus to the provider if certain criteria are met.

Mr Paul Sweeney: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether any bonus payments have been paid by the Government to any companies currently providing asylum seeker accommodation.

Caroline Nokes: The United Kingdom Visa and Immigration Service (UKVI) discharges their statutory duty to provide destitute asylum seeker accommodation and transport via a suite of COMPASS contracts with three providers. The contract payment mechanism is based on per person per night cost and does not include any bonus payment facility.

Police: Northumbria

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many (a) police officers, (b) police staff and (c) police community support officers were in post in Northumbria in each year from 2010 until the most recent period for which data is available.

Mr Nick Hurd: The Home Office collects and publishes statistics on the number of police officers, police staff, and Police Community Support officers (PCSOs) employed by each Police Force Area in England and Wales on a bi-annual basis. These data are published in the ‘Police workforce, England and Wales’ statistical publication.Data on the number of police officers, police staff and PCSOs in Northumbria, as at 31 March each year and going back to March 2007, can be found in the accompanying Open Data Table: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/629362/open-data-table-police-workforce.ods

Antisocial Behaviour: Crime Prevention

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the effect of changes in police officer numbers on the ability of police to respond to anti-social behaviour.

Mr Nick Hurd: Chief Officers and Police and Crime Commissioners are responsible for local operational decisions including allocating appropriate resources to tackle anti-social behaviour. The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 provides the police with a wide range of powers to tackle all forms of anti-social behaviour effectively. We have therefore not made any specific assessment of the changes on police officer numbers to respond to anti-social behaviour.

Police: North East

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make an assessment of the potential effect of the level of the 2018-2019 policing budget on police numbers in Northumbria for (a) 2019-20 and (b) 2020-21.

Mr Nick Hurd: The 2018/19 police funding settlement provided additional flexibility for forces to increase funding through council tax precept and protected Government grant funding to Police and Crime Commissioners in cash terms. The Northumbria PCC used this flexibility and saw an increase in direct resource funding of £5.2m this year.The size and composition of the police workforce is a local decision for PCCs and Chief Constables.

Asylum: Housing

Mr Paul Sweeney: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether provisions have been included in the draft asylum accommodation renewal contract for the future (a) amendment and (b) termination of the contract; and what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of enacting such provisions.

Caroline Nokes: The draft asylum accommodation contract includes provision for amendment through a formal change control process that is subject to agreement and formal signing of variation by both parties.The draft contract also includes provision for termination on grounds of cause or convenience at the authorities absolute discretion. Costs associated with enacting any of these provisions will vary on a case by case basis.

Asylum: Housing

Mr Paul Sweeney: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of his Departments policy on asylum accommodation since 2012.

Caroline Nokes: The Home Office provides accommodation and other support to asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute. The accommodation is arranged through a number of housing providers, who are contractually required to provide safe, habitable, fit for purpose and correctly equipped accommodation that complies with the Decent Homes Standard, as well as standards outlined in relevant national housing legislation.There is an inspection and contract compliance regime in place to ensure that the standards required in the contracts are met.We remain in regular discussion with Providers, service users, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders about ways to improve the services provided and we will be making a number of improvements to the design of the future contracted services as a direct result of such feedback.

Passports: British National (Overseas)

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many valid British national (overseas) passports were in issue on 31 December in each year since 1987.

Caroline Nokes: I refer to the table below which provides the volume of British National (Overseas) passports in circulation (valid) at 31 December 2015, 31 December 2016 and 31 December 2016.We are unable to provide data on the volume of British National (Overseas) passports in circulation (valid) prior to 31 December 2015 as the data could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.YearNationality DescriptionNumber of Passports (Volume)31 December 2015British National Overseas)143,21931 December 2016British National (Overseas)152,35131 December 2017British National (Overseas)158,107

Members: Correspondence

David Linden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when the Minister of State for Immigration plans to respond to the letter from the hon. Member for Glasgow East of 2 August 2018, reference DL1598.

Caroline Nokes: I apologise for the delay in responding to your letter of 2 August 2018. The Home Office is required to respond to correspondence within 20 working days. A response to your letter is in hand and a substantive reply will be sent within the week.

Entry Clearances: Somalia

Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps he is taking to ensure that Somali passport holders with the right to live in the UK are not refused entry as a result of the change from passport endorsement to a bio-metric residence permit system.

Caroline Nokes: The UK does not currently recognise Somali passports for travel to the UK. However, we have put in place measures to ensure that holders of Somali passports who are in possession of a valid UK biometric residence permit are able to return to the UK.We have informed international carriers these arrangements and shared this information with representatives of the Somali community.

Independent Anti-slavery Commissioner

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what budget is allocated to the Office of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner; and how much of that budget has been spent in the current financial year.

Victoria Atkins: The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner’s budget for 2018/19 is £575,000. Expenditure for this financial year to the end of August 2018 is £270,497.

Independent Anti-slavery Commissioner: Public Appointments

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the deadline is for applications for the position of Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner; and whether that deadline has been changed since the position became vacant.

Victoria Atkins: In line with the Cabinet Office Governance Code on Public Appointments 2016, Ministers decided to reopen recruitment for the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner. The closing date for applications is now 26 September 2018.

Immigration: Human Rights

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many applications for leave to remain on human rights grounds are (a) waiting to be processed and (b) under consideration.

Caroline Nokes: Data on the current volumes of in-country leave to remain human rights applications are available within published In-Country Migration Data:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/in-country-migration-data-august-2018Refer to tab InC_03: ‘In-Country Migration Work-In-Progress and Outstanding Not Input’

British Nationality: Oaths and Affirmations

Jo Stevens: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much his Department has charged applicants for administering the oath of British Citizenship in overseas consulates in each of the last five years.

Caroline Nokes: A fee of £5 is charged for administering the oath of British citizenship. This fee has remained unchanged within the last 5 years.

Cannabis: Medical Treatments

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many licence applications for medicinal cannabis have been received by the expert panel; and what the status is of those applications.

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many inquiries the medicinal cannabis licensing panel has received from potential applicants.

Mr Nick Hurd: Government has announced an aim to reschedule cannabis in the autumn. This will enable specialist clinicians to legally prescribe cannabis-derived medicinal products to patients with an exceptional clinical need. In the interim the Expert Panel has been established to review applications from specialist clinicians who wish to prescribe specified cannabis derived medicinal products. For each application, the panel are looking for a specialist clinician to meet their criteria and show that there are exceptional clinical circumstances before recommending that a licence should be issued.As of 06 September 2018 there have been forty four inquiries to the expert panel mailbox from members of the public, patients, doctors and press. The number of applications to the panel has been small there is a significant risk that even aggregate information disclosed about applications could be linked to personal details (made available through media reporting). Given that the Home Office has a duty to protect these individuals the actual number of applications cannot be disclosed.

Gangs: Social Media

Joan Ryan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what representations he has received from (a) Facebook, (b) Google, (c) YouTube, (d) Twitter, (e) WhatsApp, (f) Snapchat and (e) other social media companies on his Department’s social media hub to tackle gang-related online content; and if he will make a statement.

Joan Ryan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 29 January 2018 to Question 124503 on Crime: Social Media, whether he has recently met with representatives of (a) Facebook, (b), Google, (c) YouTube, (d) Twitter, (e) Snapchat and (f) other social media platforms to discuss tackling the prevalence of videos and other social media content that glorifies gang and knife crime.

Victoria Atkins: As part of our work to deliver the Serious Violence Strategy, we have established a social media action group to bring together Government, social media companies, police, and community groups to tackle violent material available via social media. The social media companies represented include Google (YouTube), Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat. The group meets regularly and has received updates on the development of the new police capability to tackle gang related content online, which was announced by the Home Secretary on 17 June.The Home Secretary has not met social media companies to specifically discuss violent online material. However on 11 June 2018, representatives from Google and Facebook attended a meeting of the Serious Violence Taskforce chaired by the Home Secretary, to present the action being taken to tackle violent content online.

Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority: Inspections

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many of the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority staff responsible for frontline inspection activity are female.

Victoria Atkins: The GLAA has a full time equivalent of 51.4 staff who are responsible for frontline inspection activity, of whom the full time equivalent of 15.3 are female.

Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority: Inspections

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what training he Department has provided to Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority frontline inspection officials on the (a) identification of indicators of gender based violence and (b) harassment at work.

Victoria Atkins: The Department does not provide training to Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) frontline inspection officials on these matters. The GLAA is responsible for training its staff.

Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much money has been accrued to the public purse as a result of Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority Tier 1 interventions in each of the last six months.

Victoria Atkins: Tier 1 interventions involve action by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) to recover, for workers, money owed to them by employers. Recovery involves payment of the sums owed by the employers direct to the workers concerned, not to the public purse. The amounts recovered for workers in this way are published annually in the GLAA’s Annual Report and Accounts.

Refugees: Syria

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many Syrian refugees of each religious group his Department has (a) recommended to be resettled by the UN; and (b) agreed to resettle in the UK in each quarter of each of the last four years.

Caroline Nokes: The UK’s resettlement programmes follow the humanitarian principles of impartiality and neutrality, which means that we resettle solely based on needs identified by UNHCR through their established processes, rather than on the basis of ethno-religious origin.We believe that one way to protect the privacy of those being resettled and support their recovery and integration is to limit the amount of information about them that we make publicly available.We therefore do not routinely publish a religious and ethnic breakdown of those who have been resettled, however internal management information indicates that the majority of Syrian refugees referred by UNHCR, and resettled to the UK are Muslim, with Christians and other religious groups represented in smaller numbers.

Immigration: State Retirement Pensions

Patrick Grady: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether it is his policy for an application for settled status to be affected by the applicant being in receipt of a state retirement pension.

Patrick Grady: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether his Departments plans for the rules on the five-year continuous residency test for settled status applications to be the same as the rules for permanent residency applications.

Patrick Grady: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether it is his Department's policy that the five-year continuous residency requirement for settled status can be satisfied by reference to any such period of time during an applicant’s life in the UK rather than the most recent five years.

Patrick Grady: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether people who have settled status will continue to be able to access the NHS after the UK leaves the EU on the same basis as EU citizens can today.

Caroline Nokes: The UK has decided, as a matter of domestic policy, that the main requirement for eligibility under the EU Settlement Scheme will be continuous residence in the UK.We will accept a wide range of documentation as proof of residence. Where possible, the application process will help the applicant to establish their continuous residence and whether it amounts to five years, on an automated basis using data held by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and in due course also the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The latter may include data on receipt of state retirement pension.Being in receipt of a state retirement pension may help the applicant to prove their residency, but receipt of public funds in any form will not affect the applicant’s eligibility for the EU Settlement Scheme.The requirement for five years’ continuous residence can be satisfied by any such period of time during an applicant’s life in the UK rather than the most recent five years, provided it began before 31 December 2020. However, the applicant must not have been absent from the UK for more than five continuous years since that period ended.EU citizens and their family members who obtain settled status will be granted indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK. This status will provide the holder with the same access to benefits, education and healthcare as those who acquire permanent residence under EU law.

Vetting

Mr Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the average time taken was from request to response to carry out vetting under the disclosure and barring regulations in each police force in England and Wales in the last period for which figures are available; whether that vetting is undertaken in accordance with national requirements in each such force; and (a) what his policy is on and (b) how he measures the performance of the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Victoria Atkins: The Disclosure and Barring Service publish police performance and average turnaround times quarterly with the latest information available up to and including June 2018.Average turnaround times for police disclosure units broken down by month and by force can be found here:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/dbs-performancePolice Force Disclosure Units must provide locally held information for inclusion on enhanced criminal record certificates in accordance with a statutory test set out in Part V of the Police Act 1997. This test requires that a chiefofficer believes the information to be relevant and that it ought to be disclosed. When considering information for disclosure, chief officers must also haveregard to statutory guidance available at:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statutory-disclosure-guidance The statutory guidance sits alongside operational guidance drawn up by the police service and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).This Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) can be found at the link below:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/quality-assurance-framework-version-nine-qaf-v9The application of the Quality Assurance Framework by Police Force Disclosure Units is monitored by the DBS Standard and Compliance Unit to help ensure that a consistent high quality approach is taken by forces when they process DBS applications.DBS performance is measured against Published Service Standards which are detailed in the DBS Business Plan. These include:To complete 87% of all standard and enhanced DBS checks within 21 daysTo complete 96% of all standard and enhanced DBS checks within 42 daysTo complete 90% of DBS basic checks within 14 daysThe DBS performance against these targets is published quarterly, here:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/dbs-dataset-1-disclosure-progress-information-disclosed-and-update-service-subscriptions

Home Office: Gardening Leave

Sir Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many staff of his Department have been absent from work on full pay for more than twelve consecutive months.

Victoria Atkins: There are less than 5 staff in the Department who have been absent from work on full pay for more than twelve consecutive months.

Ports: Flags

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans he has to ensure that the Union flag is flown at British ports after the UK leaves the EU.

Caroline Nokes: There are a number of regulations in relation to flying the Union Flag.As port operators are independent, and are not public buildings/authorities they must make their own decision on flying the Union Flag . Broader port requirements and licensing conditions are set by Department for Transport.The policy on flag protocols on public buildings is the preserve of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport.

Scotland Office

Seaweed: Scotland

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on effect on the (a) environment and (b) animal welfare of Marine Biopolymer’s application for industrial scale wild kelp harvesting.

David Mundell: None. Consideration of all such applications is a matter for Marine Scotland.

Scottish Islands: Devolution

Lesley Laird: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what progress the UK Government has made on an islands' deal; and when the Government plans to publish details on that deal.

David Mundell: My officials continue to engage with the Islands Councils in order to understand their aspirations for a Deal. We have either agreed a Deal or have agreed to negotiate a Deal, for each of Scotland’s seven cities, along with Ayrshire and our Borderlands. This amounts to a commitment so far of over £1 billion to support economic growth across Scotland. In consultation with HM Treasury, I hope to agree commitments to further Deals in due course.

Attorney General

Attorney General: Brexit

Tom Brake: To ask the Attorney General, what the total cost to the public purse for his Department’s work preparing for the UK to leave the EU has been since 23 June 2016.

Robert Buckland: HM Treasury has allocated over £2 billion of additional funding to departments and the Devolved Administrations for EU exit preparations so far. This breaks down as:£412m of additional funding over the spending review period for the Department for Exiting the European Union, Department for International Trade and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office at Autumn Statement 2016.£286m of additional funding for 17/18 (a full breakdown of which can be found in Supplementary Estimates 17/18). https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/679738/PU2137_Supplementary_estimates_web.pdf.Over £1.5bn of additional funding for 18/19. A full breakdown of which can be found in the Chief Secretary’s Written Ministerial Statement, HCWS540, laid on the 13th March (https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-statement/Commons/2018-03-13/HCWS540/)

Attorney General: Brexit

Tom Brake: To ask the Attorney General, what estimate he has made of the cost to his Department of leaving the EU in accordance with (a) the proposals set out in the Government’s White Paper and (b) a no-deal scenario.

Robert Buckland: At Autumn Budget 2017, the Chancellor also set aside £1.5 billion of additional funding for EU Exit preparations in 2019/20. Departments will be invited to bid for 2019/20 EU Exit preparation funding later in the year. Details of timings and process will be announced in due course.

Hate Crime: Disability

Henry Smith: To ask the Attorney General, what steps the CPS is taking to improve the rate of prosecution of people responsible for crimes against disabled people.

Robert Buckland: The CPS is committed to improving prosecutions of disability hate crime. It has delivered mandated training on disability hate crime for all prosecutors, introduced a network of Hate Crime Coordinators in CPS Areas and revised its disability hate crime legal guidance. The CPS is currently working with community partners to develop further training based upon the social model of disability, aimed at removing barriers for disabled people and improving access to justice.

Offences against Children: Prosecutions

Louise Haigh: To ask the Attorney General, what steps the Crown Prosecution Service is taking to improve prosecution rates for child exploitation.

Robert Buckland: Child exploitation can take many forms and include sexual exploitation and wider criminal activity.Tackling Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is a priority for the CPS. Specialist CPS lawyers, who have had bespoke training, continue to work closely with police investigators in order to build stronger cases, which can be both contact and online offending.Child Sexual Exploitation is often associated with ‘County Lines’ criminal activity. The CPS has published a County Lines typology which provides an overview of the approach to be taken in criminal investigations and prosecutions linked to this type of offending. The typology guides police and prosecutors on evidential matters, as well as how to manage and support victims.

Cabinet Office

Brexit

Mr Steve Baker: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent discussions he has had with the  (a) CBI, (b) Institute of Directors and (c) EEF on the Government's White Paper on the UK's future relationship with the EU, Cm 9593.

Mr David Lidington: I have regular engagement with business and industry leaders to discuss a number of issues, including the UK's exit from the European Union. Ministers and officials from my Department and across Government continue to engage broadly across all sectors and across the UK to hear the business’ priorities and issues relating to our exit.   Business leaders, including the CBI and Institute of Directors, met with the Secretary of State and all the ministers in DExEU to discuss the proposals made in the White Paper at Chevening House on 20 July.

Cabinet Office EU Unit

Mr David Jones: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what discussions members of his Department's Europe Unit had prior to 12 July 2018 with representatives of EU member states and EU institutions on the White Paper on the future relationship between the UK and the EU.

Mr David Lidington: In the run up to the publication of the White Paper, there was regular engagement with our EU counterparts. No copies were shared with other Member States. Engagement at ministerial and official level will continue as we continue to negotiate aspects of the UK’s withdrawal from, and future relationship with, the EU.

Life Expectancy

Louise Haigh: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the data on age-sex standardised mortality rates, published by the Office of National Statistics in July 2018, by how many (a) weeks and (b) months the overall life expectancy of the population of England has fallen between quarter one 2016 and quarter one 2018.

Chloe Smith: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.



UKSA response 
(PDF Document, 75.96 KB)

Civil Servants: Pay

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Government has plans to increase the average civil servant pay offer to above the rate of inflation.

Oliver Dowden: Pay for Civil Servants outside of the Senior Civil Service is a matter delegated to departments. Pay awards are informed by a range of factors including recruitment, retention, affordability and the scope for productivity gains. Departments set pay within the Civil Service pay remit guidance which is published on gov.uk annually. The remit guidance for 2019/20 will be agreed in 2019 and it will then be for departments to determine their pay levels within that framework.

Civil Servants: Pay

Kate Osamor: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent steps he has taken to hold discussions with civil service unions on the pay remit guidance.

Mr David Lidington: The Minister for the Cabinet Office met with the General Secretaries of the FDA, Prospect and PCS trade unions on 27th June to discuss the civil service delegated pay guidance 2018, which was published on 25th June. As agreed in this meeting, officials wrote to trade unions inviting further discussions on the process of publishing the 2019 Pay Remit Guidance on 17th July. We are awaiting a response to this letter.

Civil Servants: Ethnic Groups

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Minister for theCabinet Office, with reference to the Prime Minister's  speech, Together, let’s make a difference, delivered on 18 October 2018, what progress the Government has made on improving representation of people from BAME backgrounds in the civil service.

Mr David Lidington: The Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy published in October 2017 included acommitment to increase the representation of ethnic minority staff in the Civil Serviceworkforce. In June 2017 we published a Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion datadashboard [add link https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-diversity-inclusion-dashboard] Latest figures (March 2018) show ethnic minority representation in the Civil Service hasrisen to 12.0% which is broadly representative of the UK working population (12.8%).Ethnic minority representation in the Senior Civil Service (SCS) also reached its highestlevel to date at 5.2%. We are committed to improving this and have published targets toincrease the progression of ethnic minority staff into the SCS. To drive delivery of the targets we have established an Ethnic Diversity Programme tobuild a sustainable talent pipeline to the SCS. The Programme also supports the newDiverse Leadership Taskforce to increase diversity amongst our most senior leaders.

Cabinet Office: Brexit

Tom Brake: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the total cost to the public purse for his Department’s work preparing for the UK to leave the EU has been since 23 June 2016.

Tom Brake: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate he has made of the cost to his Department of leaving the EU in accordance with (a) the proposals set out in the Government’s White Paper and (b) a no-deal scenario.

Oliver Dowden: HM Treasury has allocated over £2 billion of additional funding to departments and the Devolved Administrations for EU exit preparations so far. This breaks down as: - £412m of additional funding over the spending review period for the Department for Exiting the European Union, Department for International Trade and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office at Autumn Statement 2016. - £286m of additional funding for 17/18 (a full breakdown of which can be found in Supplementary Estimates 17/18).https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/679738/PU2137_Supplementary_estimates_web.pdf. - Over £1.5bn of additional funding for 18/19. A full breakdown of which can be found in the Chief Secretary’s Written Ministerial Statement, HCWS540, laid on the 13th March. (https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-statement/Commons/2018-03-13/HCWS540/) At Autumn Budget 2017, the Chancellor also set aside £1.5 billion of additional funding for EU Exit preparations in 2019/20. Departments will be invited to bid for 2019/20 EU Exit preparation funding later in the year. Details of timings and process will be announced in due course.

Electronic Government

Jo Platt: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to page 30 of the document entitled Government Transformation Strategy, published by his Department on 9 February 2017, what progress has been made in the digitisation of the 17 listed government services.

Oliver Dowden: The 17 services listed in the Government Transformation Strategy in some cases comprise multiple components, which can be at different stages of development. Overall six services are substantially fully live (Live phase); nine further services are substantially available for public use and subject to further improvement (Beta phase); and a further two services are still in development (Alpha phase). Details about the phases of an agile project are published in the GOV.UK Service Manual: https://www.gov.uk/service-manual/agile-delivery . A list of transformed digital services that have successfully met the Digital Service Standard is available online at https://www.gov.uk/service-standard-reports, with further statistical information on service assessments at https://www.gov.uk/performance/digital-service-assessments.

Electronic Government

Jo Platt: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to page 35 of the document entitled Government Transformation Strategy, published by his Department on 9 February 2017, what progress has been made on the development of a cross-government evidence base to share inter-departmental approaches to transformation work.

Oliver Dowden: The government has established a portfolio of key transformation projects which is a subset of the Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP) and is supported by a cross-government transformation team. Research and insight on programmes in this transformation portfolio are shared across government through a Transformation Peer Group of senior civil servants and transformation practitioners. Analysis of the projects in the transformation portfolio is shared publicly through the Infrastructure and Project Authority’s (IPA) annual report on major projects, most recently published in July 2018. The GOV.UK Design System - was published in June this year and makes available an extensive suite of design patterns (generated by numerous departments) with which government can build well designed services. By the end of September 2018 more departmental approaches to transformation, tools that have been developed, and insight from the portfolio will be published on GOV.UK.  Government has also developed cross-departmental service communities. These communities are focussed on developing end-to-end services as users perceive them, and they provide a space to collaborate and share approaches for continual learning and improvement.

Government Digital Service: Recruitment

Jo Platt: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people have been recruited by the Government Digital Service in each of the last seven years.

Oliver Dowden: The table below sets out the number of staff recruited by the Government Digital Service (GDS) in each of the last seven years. 2012201320142015201620172018*687311484266192182 To 31 Aug 2018 Many areas of work undertaken by GDS require specialist skills that are not always readily available from within the Civil Service. In order to tackle changing priorities, there has been a significant requirement to recruit fixed term contract staff (83% of the total recruited in the years shown) for periods of up to two years and the recruitment numbers reflect the turnover in this category of the workforce.

Government Digital Service: Staff

Jo Platt: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the gender balance is among employees of the Government Digital Service.

Oliver Dowden: The Government Digital Service is an integral part of the Cabinet Office and is included in this reply. Information about the diversity of the Cabinet Office workforce (and other Civil Service Departments) including gender is published annually by the Office for National Statistics in their Civil Service Statistics bulletin. The latest bulletin (at 31st March 2018) can be downloaded at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/publicsectorpersonnel/datasets/civilservicestatistics .

Electronic Government

Jo Platt: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Government Digital Strategy, published in 2012, how many of the high-volume transactional services have been end-to-end redesigned.

Oliver Dowden: The 2012 Government Digital Strategy set an ambition for government transactional services to be designed so that they are available digitally by default. The initial Transformation Programme led to digital transformation in 25 high volume transactional service areas. In 2014 the Government Digital Service introduced the Digital Service Standard, a set of 18 criteria to ensure public digital services are designed and built to meet user needs. This standard has been used in transforming further services. A list of transformed digital services that have successfully met that Digital Service Standard is available online at https://www.gov.uk/service-standard-reports, with further statistical information on service assessments available at https://www.gov.uk/performance/digital-service-assessments.

Electronic Government: Procurement

Jo Platt: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what proportion of sales by volume completed through the Government G-Cloud framework were to small and medium-sized enterprises in each of the last five years.

Oliver Dowden: The table below shows the proportion of sales by volume that went to SMEs through the G-Cloud brand of commercial arrangements the last five financial years: Financial YearProportion of sales by volume going to SMEs going through G-Cloud2013 - 1464.2%2014 - 1568.2%2015 - 1669.5%2016 - 1769.4%2017 - 1867.8%  The full dataset can be viewed at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/735462/G-Cloud-spend-end-July2018.csv/preview

Electronic Government: Proof of Identity

Jo Platt: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many current users there are of Gov.UK Verify; and whether it is still the Government's target to reach 25 million users by 2020.

Oliver Dowden: As of 2 September 2018, there are 2,747,048 GOV.UK Verify user accounts. The number of GOV.UK Verify user accounts is published on the GOV.UK website and is regularly updated. We will continue to enable individuals to prove their identity online and to access government services securely and safely. We continue to work towards 25 million people having a GOV.UK Verify account by 2020.

Electronic Government: Proof of Identity

Jo Platt: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many government services currently use Gov.UK verify.

Oliver Dowden: 17 government services are connected to GOV.UK Verify. One of these services is connected to GOV.UK Verify but not currently available to the public. The full list of services accessible through GOV.UK Verify is published on the GOV.UK website and is regularly updated.

Electronic Government: Proof of Identity

Jo Platt: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what progress has been made on plans to allow the private sector to utilise the Gov.UK verify service.

Oliver Dowden: In addition to continuing with the rollout of GOV.UK Verify across central government, we also continue to explore the applications for GOV.UK Verify for secure citizen identity verification in both the wider public and private sectors. We are in discussions with our identity provider partners over plans to expand GOV.UK Verify into non-government services.

Cybercrime

Jo Platt: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to paragraph 5.4.6 on page 41 of the Government document National Cyber Strategy 2016-2021, what mechanisms are utilised by the Government to share cyber threat information with industry.

Mr David Lidington: The National Cyber Security Centre produces assessments for UK CNI sectors in collaboration with industry partners and writes many assessments for an industry audience. Threat information is shared regularly through a number of mechanisms, including through the Cyber Security Information Sharing Partnership (CiSP), Information Exchanges, publications on the NCSC website and briefs from NCSC staff.

Infrastructure: Business

Jo Platt: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many businesses and organisations have been determined as critical national infrastructure.

Oliver Dowden: Lead Government Departments keep the number of critical national infrastructure assets in their sector(s) under continual review. As of 5 September 2018, there are 874 assets assessed to be critical. Seven hundred and forty of these assets are owned by 183 private organisations, while 134 assets are held publicly.

Females: Equality

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 10 July 2018 to Question 160802 on Females: Equality, what performance criteria has been introduced in Departments' Single Departmental Plans to monitor progress on Sustainable Development Goal 5.

Oliver Dowden: Individual departments are responsible for indicating in their Single Departmental Plans how their policies and programmes will contribute to the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals and tracking their progress. A number of departments have cited policies and programmes which will contribute towards the delivery of Goal 5, in particular; the Departmental for International Development (and the Government Equalities Office), Cabinet Office and the Home Office. They are available on https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/a-country-that-works-for-everyone-the-governments-plan&sa=D&source=hangouts&ust=1536321038595000&usg=AFQjCNFsUcDJtdySnbg2gWrMXfkJTF46iA

Carillion: Insolvency

Jon Trickett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many hours staff in his Department have worked on matters relating to the liquidation of Carillion.

Oliver Dowden: This information is not held.

Facilities Agreements: Public Sector

Jon Trickett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Government has plans to reduce the amount of facility time available to public-sector employees.

Oliver Dowden: The Government has taken action to promote transparency and allow for scrutiny of public sector spending by recently publishing data relating to the use of facility time across the public sector. Following the collection and analysis of this data over three years, reserve powers under the Trade Union Act 2016 will enable Ministers to implement regulations limiting the use and spend of facility time within relevant public sector employers. More information on these powers can be found here.

Rapid Response Unit

Jon Trickett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Rapid Response Unit is planned to have its funding renewed once the initial six-month funding expires.

Mr David Lidington: The Government is currently reviewing the impact of the Rapid Response Unit's work to date, and will make a decision on the future of the unit in due course.

Government Departments: Computer Software

Jo Platt: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make an estimate of the number of government computers using the Windows XP operating system.

Oliver Dowden: The Government Digital Service (GDS) provides departments with guidance when selecting technology through the Technology Code of Practice.   Individual technology choices and volumes purchased rest with individual departments. As such, GDS does not hold the information requested.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Brexit

Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister of the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of the UK Joint Ministerial Committee being expanded to a full Council of Ministers with responsibility for regional policy after the UK leaves the EU.

Mr David Lidington: An error has been identified in the written answer given on 10 September 2018.The correct answer should have been:

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has regular and frequent engagement with devolved administrations across a wide range of issues where there are shared interests. Furthermore, the UK Government recognises the need to review the existing intergovernmental structures to ensure they are fit for purpose in light of the UK’s exit from the EU. We are working closely with the devolved administrations on this review.

Mr David Lidington: The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has regular and frequent engagement with devolved administrations across a wide range of issues where there are shared interests. Furthermore, the UK Government recognises the need to review the existing intergovernmental structures to ensure they are fit for purpose in light of the UK’s exit from the EU. We are working closely with the devolved administrations on this review.

Sustainable Development

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent assessment his Department has made of UK progress towards the sustainable development goals.

Oliver Dowden: Departments report regularly to Cabinet Office on their progress in delivering their Single Departmental Plans. This provides a mechanism for DFID and Cabinet Office to track progress towards delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals. The Government will present a Voluntary National Review (VNR) assessing UK progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals at the UN High Level Political Forum in 2019. The Department for International Development (DFID) are leading on the review with support from my Department and working closely with other Government departments.

Autism: Suicide

Luciana Berger: To ask the Minister for theCabinet Office, how many people with autism have died by suicide since 2010.

Chloe Smith: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.



UKSA response 
(PDF Document, 142.79 KB)

Constituencies

Catherine West: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he plans to publish the final Boundary Commission proposals; and if he will make a statement.

Chloe Smith: The Government received the reports from the four Boundary Commissions on 5 September 2018. Once the reports have been laid before Parliament we will make them publicly available, which we expect will be on Monday 10 September to allow for the reports to be printed.

Constituencies

Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when the Government plans to lay the Boundary Commission's recommendations before the House.

Chloe Smith: The Government received the reports of the four Boundary Commissions on 5 September 2018 and we expect that the reports will be laid before Parliament and made publicly available on Monday 10 September 2018 to allow for the reports to be printed.

General Election 2017: Returning Officers

Cat Smith: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many and what proportion of returning officers spent in excess of their maximum recoverable amount at the 2017 general election.

Chloe Smith: The Cabinet Office is responsible for the settlement of election expenses claims in respect of constituencies in England and Wales. Data for constituencies in Northern Ireland and Scotland is not available to the Cabinet Office at present. The number of claims that exceeded the maximum recoverable amount in England and Wales at the 2017 UK parliamentary general election was 236. This is 41% of the claims for consideration by the Cabinet Office. The Elections Claims Unit at the Cabinet Office is scrutinising these claims to ensure that the expenses claimed were reasonable and necessary for the efficient and effective delivery of the poll as is required by law. This could result in some claims being settled at an amount that is less than originally claimed and below the maximum recoverable amount for that constituency and therefore the overall number of claims that are over spent could change.

Returning Officers: Fees and Charges

Cat Smith: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps the Government is taking to improve the administration of (a) fees and (b) charges of Returning Officers for parliamentary elections.

Chloe Smith: Building on a previous Cabinet Office funding review undertaken in 2013/14, which led to a number of significant changes including a new model that provides more accurate allocations for Returning Officers (ROs) and the subsequent establishment of an in-house Elections Claims Unit to assess claims, we are currently undertaking further work to review the funding arrangements for national polls. This work has two main objectives: to promote best value for use of taxpayers’ money; and to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the processes that manage expenditure and provide more transparent reporting on the costs of nationwide polls.

Boris Johnson

Catherine West: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what discussions he has had with the Prime Minister on whether the Rt. hon. Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip is compliant with the ministerial code by re-commencing secondary employment in addition to his parliamentary duties following his resignation as Foreign Secretary.

Chloe Smith: Former Ministers remain personally responsible for deciding how to act and conduct themselves in the light of the Ministerial Code. This includes following the correct process for seeking advice from the independent Advisory Committee on Business Appointments.The Advisory Committee has written to the Rt Hon Member on this matter and has placed that statement in the public domain.

Department for International Trade

Exports: Association of South East Asian Nations

Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what the percentage increase in trade is for UK exports to the Association of South East Asian Nations since 2010; and what comparative assessment he has made of this figure and UK exports to other regions.

Graham Stuart: The UK’s total trade with the ASEAN countries, including export and import of goods and services amounted to £35.6bn in 2017, representing growth of 35% since 2010, and 10.6% since 2016. Total UK exports to these countries have increased by 42% to £17.1bn since 2010.In comparison, also since 2010, total UK trade with the world has grown by 35% to £1.26tn, and by 9.9% since 2016, while exports have increased by 38% to £615.9bn. Growth figures throughout are shown in nominal terms.

Trade Missions

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what international trade missions his Department has scheduled for the next 12 months.

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how many overseas trade missions planned for the next 12 months will include agri-food firms from Northern Ireland.

Graham Stuart: Details of international trade missions for the next 12 months will be placed in the libraries of the House shortly.Recruitment for trade missions takes place in the months leading up to each event. During recruiting, companies are targeted from across the UK, including Northern Ireland.

Department for International Trade: Meetings

Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what meetings have taken place between officials of his Department and representatives of (a) CER, (b) the CBI, (c) the Institute of Directors, (d) Greenpeace, (e) Oxfam, (f) Friends of the Earth, (g) British Chambers of Commerce, (h) Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and (i) the EEF in the last twelve months.

Graham Stuart: Meetings regularly take place with a range of stakeholders. To compile a comprehensive list across the whole Department would be at disproportionate cost to the taxpayer.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Brass Bands

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what schemes his Department has allocated funding to for the purchase or hire of (a) uniforms and (b) instruments by (i) musical and (ii) marching bands in the last five years.

Michael Ellis: My Department does not hold this information. In England, funding decisions in this area are made by Arts Council England. As culture is a devolved matter, questions regarding funding decisions made in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales should be directed to the devolved administrations.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport	: Annual Reports

Mr Clive Betts: to ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, which agencies and other public bodies accountable to him will not have published their annual report and accounts for 2017-2018 by 31 July 2018; and what the reasons are for each such body not having done so by that date.

Margot James: A list of agencies and other public bodies which are accountable to the Department are listed on gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations). All accounts that are published will appear on the bodies’ websites. As per the Government Resources and Accounts Act (2000), there is no legal requirement for agencies or other public bodies to publish their accounts before the January following year end.

Football: Security

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he plans to take to ensure security arrangements are in place for the Euro 2020 games taking place at Wembley Stadium.

Tracey Crouch: We are fully engaged with the preparations for EURO 2020. Detailed safety and security plans for both the London and Glasgow elements of the tournament are being developed by local partners, including the security arrangements for Wembley Stadium. DCMS officials are working closely with the Home Office, UK Football Policing Unit, Scottish Government and local partners to ensure that these respective plans are robust, and are aligned to provide a consistent and joined-up approach.

Migrant Workers: EU Nationals

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment the Government has made of the effect on the productivity of the hospitality sector of the reduction in EU net migration to the UK.

Michael Ellis: We have not made an assessment of the effect of a reduction in EU net migration on the productivity of the hospitality sector. The Government remains committed to improving productivity, as set out in its Industrial Strategy.The Government has been clear that after the UK leaves the EU, free movement will end but migration between the UK and the EU will continue. The UK will remain an open and tolerant country; one that recognises the valuable contribution migrants make to our society.We recognise that international migrants make a significant contribution to the hospitality sector, which continues to grow and is supported by the record numbers of inbound visitors to the UK (39.2 million in 2017, 4% more than in 2016). We have encouraged the sector to feed views into the Migration Advisory Committee's call for evidence, including a granular understanding of the roles in tourism with domestic skills gaps

Gaming Machines

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is taking to ensure that category B4 gaming machines are not placed in areas outside of locations permitted by the Gambling Commission; and if he will make a statement.

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, how many gaming machine permits for category B4 gaming machines have been revoked in each year since 2010 for breaching Gambling Commission requirements relating to permitted locations; and if he will make a statement.

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what policies and enforcement measures are in place to ensure that permit holders for category B4 gaming machines adhere to Gambling Commission requirements relating to permitted locations; and what resources his Department has allocated to licensing authorities for the enforcement of those requirements.

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, how many category B4 gaming machine permit holders have been investigated in each year since 2010 for breaching Gambling Commission licensing requirements relating to permitted locations.

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the risk to the public posed by breaches of Gambling Commission requirements relating to permitted locations by permit holders of category B4 gaming machines.

Tracey Crouch: As specified in the Gambling Act 2005, B4 gaming machines can only be located in casinos, betting shops, tracks with pool betting, bingo halls, Adult Gaming Centres, members’ clubs, miners’ welfare clubs or commercial clubs. Most B4 machines are located in clubs. The Gambling Commission and relevant Local Authority are responsible for issuing the necessary licences and permits. The Gambling Act 2005 also specifies the circumstances in which local authorities can revoke licences: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/19/schedule/13. Local Authorities are responsible for compliance and enforcement measures of B4 machines located in clubs, which is financed from the income the licensing authority receives by way of premises and permit fees. All forms of illegality in gambling are taken seriously as the inherent risk is that the protections afforded by legally sited and properly supervised machines are not present. The Gambling Commission will continue to work with and support licensing authorities in addressing such issues. Any evidence for illegally sited B4 gaming machines should be reported immediately to the relevant Local Authority. Neither the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport nor the Gambling Commission hold figures on the number of investigations or revoked licences for B4 gaming machines.

Public Statues: Females

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of creating a register of male and female statues to chart progress towards greater female representation.

Michael Ellis: Historic England, Government's adviser on the Historic Environment have been working to address the absence of statues and monuments that represent women through their Immortalised and HerStories seasons. They have also been relisting sites on the National Heritage List for England to acknowledge the role women have played. They will continue to seek out and share further stories that celebrate women’s achievements while asking how memorialisation might look in the future as statues are only one method that can be used.

5G: Great Western Railway Line

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, when he plans to publish proposals for 5G signal on the Great Western Mainline between Paddington and Penzance.

Margot James: 5G is an experimental technology that will be deployed by mobile network operators once it is commercially available. The Government recognises the importance of rail connectivity and wants to see high quality coverage where people live, work and travel. Wi-Fi equipment on railways will continue to be rolled out. The Government is also planning to run 5G trials that will support improvements to rail passenger connectivity in the UK.

Food: Advertising

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions his Department has had with the advertising industry on reducing the promotion of unhealthy food before the watershed.

Margot James: In the second chapter of our Childhood Obesity Plan, published in June 2018, we have committed to consult on introducing further advertising restrictions, including a 9pm watershed on TV advertising of HFSS products and similar protection for children viewing adverts online, with the aim of limiting children’s exposure to HFSS advertising, and incentivising sugar and calorie reduction. The consultation will be issued by the end of 2018. Ministers and officials in the Department have regular discussions with a range of stakeholders on a range of matters, including on tackling obesity.

Football: Sportsgrounds

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will take steps to increase the number of G4 football pitches in (a) Easington constituency and (b) the North East.

Tracey Crouch: We continue to invest public funding, via Sport England and The Football Foundation, to help improve the quality of community sports facilities across the country, in partnership with the FA and the Premier League, and working with local authorities. Over the last five years the North East area has benefitted from £14.7million of facilities investment from these partners, delivered by the Football Foundation charity. The National Football Facilities Strategy sets out a strategic approach by the partners to grant funding, based on Local Football Facilities Plans in every local authority. It is anticipated that a local plan for Easington will be ready by March 2019.

Data Protection

Mr David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what provisions he has made to ensure that in the event of no agreement being reached under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union no data that originates outside the UK will be transmitted to the EU without a data adequacy arrangement.

Margot James: As part of the UK’s future relationship with the EU, we want to achieve a deal on data protection that provides stability and confidence for EU and UK business, public bodies and individuals, to maintain and develop the UK’s strong trading, economic and security links with the EU. That is why the government recently set out in our White Paper (available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-future-relationship-between-the-united-kingdom-and-the-european-union) that we are ready to begin preliminary discussions on an adequacy assessment, so that a data protection agreement, allowing for the continued protection and exchange of personal data, is in place as soon as possible. Following the UK’s exit from the EU, the government will control the flow of data from the UK to other countries, while the EU will control the flow of data from the EU. Whilst we are confident that achieving an agreement on adequacy is in the interests of both the UK and the EU, a responsible government should prepare for all potential outcomes. As such, we will continue to engage with organisations that transfer personal data across borders to help them understand how they would need to operate under a range of outcomes on data protection.

Broadband: Advertising

Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the Advertising Standards Authority’s decision that Internet Service Providers can advertise using the term fibre even when their network relies on copper and aluminium wiring.

Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Government's UK Digital Strategy 2017, what progress he has made in ensuring that the advertising of full fibre broadband services is accurate and fair.

Margot James: The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is the UK's independent regulator of advertising. It recently reviewed the use of the term ‘fibre’ to describe part-fibre and full-fibre broadband and concluded in November 2017 that the term 'fibre' is unlikely to mislead consumers as currently used in the advertising of part-fibre broadband services. Permission for judicial review of this ASA's decision has been granted by the Administrative Court. In June, the Administrative Court granted CityFibre permission to proceed with its Judicial Review of the ASA's decision.On 23 May 2018, the ASA also implemented new guidance on broadband speeds advertising, stating speed claims should now be based on the download speeds available to at least 50% of customers at peak time, and no longer on 'up to' speeds available to at least 10% of customers. This is good news for consumers, who need clear, concise and accurate information in order to make an informed choice on their broadband, which is now a modern necessity. Ofcom has also updated its Code of Practice on Broadband Speeds recently.

Broadband

Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is taking to help ensure that consumers are aware of the comparative benefits of full fibre broadband compared with connections which use copper or aluminium wiring.

Margot James: The government has set an ambitious target for 15 million premises to be connected to full fibre by 2025, with nationwide coverage by 2033. In July, we published our Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review (FTIR), which sets out the changes needed to make this happen, including ensuring that the consumer environment supports our full fibre ambitions. To help stimulate the full fibre broadband market, the government has set up the £200m Local Full Fibre Networks (LFFN) Challenge Fund, which is open for local bodies to bid into, and the £67m Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme for small businesses and local communities to contribute to the cost of fibre installation.

Sports: Kent

Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department is taking to support sports facilities in (a) Medway and (b) Kent.

Tracey Crouch: Making sure that good quality and affordable sports facilities are available and accessible to people from all backgrounds and ability levels is a central element of the government Sport Strategy 'Sporting Future'. In the Medway area we have invested over £1m of exchequer and lottery funding through Sport England, into 46 projects since 2010 and since 2011 more than £540,000 in 22 projects in Gillingham and Rainham.

Companies: Disclosure of Information

Sir Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what preparations he has made to support the resilience of UK companies' ability to send data across international borders in the event of no agreement being reached under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union; and if he will make a statement.

Margot James: As the Prime Minister said in her Mansion House speech, achieving a deal on data protection is one of the foundations that must underpin the UK-EU trading relationship. The recently published White Paper (available on gov.uk) sets out the UK’s ambition for a future EU-UK relationship on data protection, which builds on standard adequacy arrangements to provide for ongoing regulatory cooperation and joined up enforcement action between UK and EU data protection authorities. The government is ready to begin preliminary discussions on an adequacy assessment straight away to provide the earliest possible reassurance that data flows can continue. However, a responsible government should prepare for all potential outcomes, including the unlikely scenario in which no mutually satisfactory agreement can be reached on data protection. That is exactly what we are doing across the whole of government, including on data transfer. Without an adequacy decision or new model in place, it is still possible for personal data to be transferred to third countries in some circumstances. The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation and Law Enforcement Directive sets out alternative methods of transfer, which companies and public authorities may use to transfer data to third countries in the absence of an adequacy decision. Further guidance on this issue is available from the ICO website. As such, we will continue to engage with organisations that transfer personal data across borders to help them understand how they would need to operate under a range of outcomes on data protection.

Sky: Royalties

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what information his Department holds on the amount of royalty payments made by the BBC to Sky UK.

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, hat information his Department holds on the amount of royalty payments made by the BBC to Sony.

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what information his Department holds on the amount of royalty payments made by the BBC to  Warner Brothers.

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what information his Department holds on the amount of royalty payments made by the BBC to Universal.

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what information his Department holds on the amount of money the BBC pays to Sky UK for hosting its channels.

Margot James: We do not hold this information. This information is held by the BBC.

Public Libraries: Closures

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, how many libraries have closed in each of the last eight years.

Michael Ellis: The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport monitors proposed changes to library service provision throughout England, but does not hold complete figures on the number of public libraries closed in each of the last eight years.

Sports Competitors: Hearing Impairment

Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what support his Department provides for deaf athletes.

Tracey Crouch: Sport England is investing over £360,000 in UK Deaf sport between 2017 and 2020 - this is to help them work with sport and physical activity organisations to increase awareness of deaf people’s needs, share good practice, conduct research and develop the workforce. UK Deaf Sport are also working closely with deaf people to inspire them to take part in sport and activity, as well as training a number to be qualified sports leaders to their peers and non-deaf people.

Department for Exiting the European Union

Department for Exiting the European Union: Institute of Economic Affairs

Mr Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what meetings (a) Ministers in the Department and (b) officials in his Department have had with the Institute of Economic Affairs since the establishment of his Department.

Chris Heaton-Harris: Ministers and officials from across Government are speaking with stakeholders from a variety of sectors, to understand their concerns and priorities regarding our EU exit.Details of Ministerial and senior official meetings on Government business are published in the Department’s Quarterly Transparency Returns, which are made publicly available on GOV.UK.